"The acceptance of Azerbaijan's proposal to host the European Political Community Summit in 2028 is a clear example of Europe's trust in Azerbaijan," former Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan and diplomat Hulusi Kılıç told APA while commenting on President Ilham Aliyev's participation in the 9th European Political Community Summit held in Dublin, the capital of Ireland.
The diplomat noted that the summit, attended by 50 heads of state and government, once again demonstrates Azerbaijan's growing role in international political processes.
"Azerbaijan has already become one of the countries whose participation in such international meetings is of particular importance. Azerbaijan's contributions to the energy security and transport connectivity of Europe and the region, as well as its role in ensuring security in the South Caucasus, enhance the country's international standing. This also demonstrates Europe's need for Azerbaijan," Hulusi Kılıç emphasized.
The former ambassador described the acceptance of Azerbaijan's initiative to host the European Political Community Summit in 2028 as an important diplomatic achievement.
"This decision is a clear example of Europe's trust in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has organized international events at a high level so far. I am confident that the European Political Community Summit in 2028 will also be held successfully," he said.
According to the former ambassador, President Ilham Aliyev's meetings with numerous European leaders during the summit are of great importance for expanding Azerbaijan's political and diplomatic relations.
Hulusi Kılıç considered the signing of a strategic partnership document between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom one of the most important outcomes of the summit.
"The United Kingdom's signing of such a document with Azerbaijan clearly demonstrates our country's international importance. This partnership will have a positive impact on the development of Azerbaijan's relations not only with the United Kingdom but also with Commonwealth countries. On the other hand, new opportunities are opening up for the United Kingdom in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Azerbaijan is a reliable strategic partner in this regard," the diplomat said.
Hulusi Kılıç also drew particular attention to the meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
According to him, one of the most important meetings held during the summit was the one-on-one discussions between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia.
"First and foremost, the Zangezur Corridor, the peace process, and transport issues were discussed at this meeting. Such bilateral contacts make an important contribution to the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the advancement of the peace process. These meetings are also important in terms of strengthening trust between the parties," the former ambassador noted.
The diplomat emphasized the importance of signing a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia as soon as possible.
"Our wish is for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia to be signed as soon as possible. This will serve to ensure peace, stability, and economic development in the South Caucasus. At the same time, it will have a positive impact on European countries' approach to the region," Hulusi Kılıç stated.
Hulusi Kılıç also emphasized that Türkiye welcomes Azerbaijan's international achievements with great satisfaction.
"As Türkiye, we highly appreciate and welcome with great joy Azerbaijan's achievements in all areas. Azerbaijan's successes are the successes of the entire Turkic world. I believe this summit has been extremely beneficial for Azerbaijan," the diplomat concluded.
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