Khalilzade: The resumption of diplomatic engagement with Syria creates diverse opportunities for developing cooperation

Bilateral relations between Syria and Azerbaijan have entered a new phase after the fall of the former regime. Various opportunities have emerged to develop bilateral cooperation between the two countries, particularly after the resumption of diplomatic relations and the reactivation of the Azerbaijani embassy in Damascus, which had been suspended for 12 years, according to Lala Khalilzade, a leading advisor at the Center for Analysis of International Relations of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Khalilzade told the Syrian Arab News Agency ( SANA): “In light of current developments, promising opportunities exist to strengthen cooperation between Syria and Azerbaijan and advance it to a more effective level. The resumption of the Azerbaijani embassy’s activities in Damascus reflects a shared commitment to opening new horizons for political and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.”

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry’s announcement, two days after the overthrow of the former regime, of its desire to restore bilateral relations is an important step in efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries at various levels, according to Khalilzade, who highlighted the importance of the visit of Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Yalcin Rafiyev to Damascus and his meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Al-Shibani, and his affirmation of his country’s support for Syria at this important stage.

Khalilzade pointed to the participation of Azerbaijani embassy staff in Syria in the humanitarian aid distribution event at a displacement camp in Aleppo Governorate, the organization of an iftar meal for 1,000 orphaned children in the capital, Damascus, and the dispatch of a humanitarian aid convoy carrying approximately 200 tons of food and supplies to Syria, based on the directives of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. This has occurred since the embassy resumed operations and the appointment of Al-Nur Shah Huseynov as Chargé d’Affaires.

She highlighted the need to support Syria and the importance of coordination with all countries to ensure its stability and resolve humanitarian issues there. She referred to the congratulatory message sent by Azerbaijani President Aliyev to President Ahmed Al-Shara on his assumption of the presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic and his invitation to visit Baku, which opens up broad prospects for cooperation.

Regarding the historical and cultural ties between the two peoples, Khalilzade noted that their relations were established in the era of the Silk Road and continued before and after the establishment of the Syrian Arab Republic. Azerbaijan has asserted its independence through trade, diplomatic relations, and cultural integration, in addition to the common values ​​that bind the two peoples.

She added that the first diplomatic relations between the two countries were established 33 years ago, specifically in 1992, while a decision was issued to establish the embassy in Damascus in 1997, and it officially began its work in 2008.

Basma Qaddour