At a press conference summing up the year on December 28, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said that India, as an international actor, cannot view the sale of arms to Armenia only as a commercial issue. He noted that Azerbaijan is aware of signing an arms supply agreement between India and Armenia: "We are closely following this process. We maintain good relations with partners from India."

Moreover, he noted that relations with China are very important for Azerbaijan. He said there are good relations between the two countries' leaders: "The Chinese delegation is on a visit to Azerbaijan. The main purpose of the visit is to use the Middle Corridor for Chinese goods. We will witness the further expansion of bilateral relations."

Also, Bayramov announced that Azerbaijan allocated $2 million in aid for Gaza. According to him, Azerbaijan paid special attention to humanitarian issues: "The aid provided to Ukraine in the earthquake in Türkiye is an example of Azerbaijan's humanitarian policy. In addition, Azerbaijan allocated $2 million in aid for Gaza. Moreover, two global appeals have been announced to the small island states of Africa within the framework of COVID-19, and Azerbaijan has allocated $1 million in aid on each appeal."

Furthermore, the Azerbaijani top diplomat said that official Baku supports the path of dialogue over Ukraine. The minister regretted that the tragedy in Ukraine has been going on for almost two years. According to him, the official Baku supports the peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. "Azerbaijan is one of the few countries that has trusting relations with both Russia and Ukraine, so Baku’s mediation may be acceptable for Moscow and Kyiv," Jeyhun Bayramov said. "The situation in Ukraine, naturally, is a very serious source of concern for us. And here, I would also like to note that information is known to a certain circle of people. Not only after hostilities began, but also in anticipation of it, when the situation was tense, the President of Azerbaijan took several actions, taking into account the level of relations with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, to help reduce tensions," he noted. According to the minister, Azerbaijan is one of the few countries that has trusting relations with both Russia and Ukraine. "And if there is a moment when we feel that the initiative will have an effect or there will be an appeal from the parties, then we believe that we are a country whose mediation may be acceptable for the participants in this conflict," Bayramov added.

Additionally, Bayramov emphasized that Azerbaijan was not the cause of the tension in relations with the US. According to him, Baku's position regarding relations between the US and Azerbaijan is clearly expressed: "The reasons are clear to everyone. Since then, we have witnessed a positive trend." The minister said Azerbaijan is interested in developing relations with the United States: "We have always been a good partner. We have cooperated in various fields and implemented numerous projects. Azerbaijan has always been a reliable partner." Bayramov noted that Baku expects steps to be taken to normalize relations completely.

Moreover, Bayramov noted that relations between Azerbaijan and France are at their lowest level in the last 30 years. "Current relations with France are at the lowest level. Azerbaijan is not to blame for this. On the contrary, Azerbaijan has done a lot to develop relations with France. However, France has always taken a pro-Armenian position. It cannot hide its pro-Armenian stance and demonstrates an anti-Azerbaijani position. The pro-Armenian position of this country was replaced by an Azerbaijanophobic and anti-Azerbaijani position," he added.

Talking about the Russian peacekeepers in the Karabakh region, he mentioned the tripartite statement, which was signed at the level of country leaders. "According to that document, the activity of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Azerbaijan is planned until 2025. This document should be taken as a basis," Bayramov noted.

Lastly, Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized that Azerbaijan considered the European Union to be an additional development platform. "The Eastern Partnership format was formed quite a long time ago. Each country has its own agenda and priorities in its relations with the EU. Azerbaijan's position here has always been consistent. Our plans and expectations in relations with the EU consist of equitable development. Our request is to discuss the issues to determine what we can give each other. We see that the EU has been the biggest investor in Azerbaijan over the years. We have fulfilled all our obligations to the EU on time. Negotiations on the contract will continue until it is completely favorable for Azerbaijan," he noted.

Read also the first part of the press conference: Azerbaijan Hints at Eased Iran Relations, Readies for Historic Border Dialogue with Armenia