On February 28, Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, received a delegation led by Michael Harms, Executive Director of the German Eastern Business Association.

The ambassador noted that this year, with the holding of COP29, there is an opportunity to achieve a peace agreement, which is crucial in terms of stability, economic development, and tranquility. He said that one of the main goals of the large delegation of businessmen's visit to Azerbaijan is to demonstrate their interest in cooperation with the country. The ambassador pointed out that, as stated by the president of Azerbaijan in his inauguration speech, the current focus on the economy, including energy and transformation issues, creates significant opportunities for cooperation. He emphasized that German business communities and companies are ready to contribute significantly to this agenda.

The head of state regretfully noted that double standards have become commonplace today for several international institutions, including the European Union. "In this regard, the non-constructive statements by Josep Borrell have deeply disappointed us. Firstly, his statements do not reflect any reality and are contrary to the norms of international law. Secondly, the Azerbaijani side evaluates these statements as a veiled threat against our country. Borrell stated that if Azerbaijan were to attack Armenia, it would face dire consequences. Where did Borrell obtain this information suggesting that Azerbaijan is planning to attack Armenia? We have no such plans. These are mere insinuations by Mr. Macron. All of this is part of the anti-Azerbaijan policy based on demonizing our country, supposedly related to Azerbaijan's alleged preparation for an attack on Armenia. After the last serious tension on the border with Armenia, which occurred in September 2023, the situation along the border remained calm until February of this year. However, in February, an Armenian sniper seriously injured an Azerbaijani soldier, prompting us to respond adequately and precisely. Our response took only a few minutes, and it was enough for Armenia to realize that attempts to kill Azerbaijanis would not go unpunished. As I mentioned, apart from the incident in September last year, the border has remained calm. Therefore, Mr. Borrell and Mr. Macron are not obtaining this information from reality but rather from their imaginations," he noted.

"We are being blamed by individuals such as Macron, Borrell, and others. Let's consider Ukraine. Ukraine seeks to restore its territorial integrity. Germany and other countries are sending weapons to Ukraine. You all declare that Ukraine must ensure its territorial integrity. But what about our territorial integrity? Is our issue less important than the issue of Ukraine? Unfortunately, we are witnessing attempts to establish divisive lines in the South Caucasus. Many people in Azerbaijan think that our Muslim religion is the only way out, given that Georgia and Armenia are taken very close to the hearts of the European institutions, and Azerbaijan is now being demonized. I do not say this is my personal opinion. This is what people think. After the restoration of our territorial integrity and sovereignty, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a decision to suspend our delegation of voting rights. This decision was unfortunately initiated by a member of Germany's parliament from the party led by Chancellor Scholz. Is it once again a case of double standards or some sort of game being played with us? The Chancellor of Germany demonstrates impartiality, and his statements and actions demonstrate that. While a member of his party tries to get rid of Azerbaijan from the Council of Europe, get rid of one of the two non-Christian countries, and does it deliberately, openly. And as you know, we decided not to participate in the sessions because if we don't have a right to express our will, why should we be there?" the Azerbaijani leader noted.

President Aliyev noted that if the rights of the Azerbaijani delegation were not restored within one year, the country would seriously consider the total departure from the Council of Europe.