Meeting with the Special Representative of the European Union for the South Caucasus

On September 14, 2022, a meeting was held between Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Toivo Klaar, the Special Representative of the European Union for the South Caucasus, the Press Office of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reported.

During the meeting, they discussed the tension in the region and the necessary steps toward the normalization process between the parties.

"Minister Jeyhun Bayramov brought to the attention of the other side the fact that in recent days, provocations were committed by Armenia in the border regions, and our military personnel was martyred as a result of Armenia's attacks. The minister emphasized that only military objects were targeted as part of the response measures of the Azerbaijan Armed Forces. He said that these provocations of the Armenian side are a gross violation of the tripartite declarations between the leaders and the agreements between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia mediated by the President of the Council of the European Union, Charles Michel, and undermine the mediation efforts. He emphasized that, contrary to the obligations of the Armenian side, the Armenian armed forces have not been completely withdrawn from Azerbaijan's territories, which is unacceptable. It was brought to attention that despite the international calls, the Armenian side violated the reached ceasefire agreement and continued to attack our positions despite Azerbaijan's declaration of a humanitarian ceasefire," the report added.

Special representative Toivo Klaar emphasized that stopping the clashes and stabilizing the situation is necessary. Following the ceasefire, he stressed the necessity of the normalization process and the resumption of negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He said that the European Union is ready to create conditions for bilateral meetings between the parties.

Meeting with the US State Department's Chief Adviser on Caucasus Negotiations

On the same day, a meeting was held between Jeyhun Bayramov and Philip Reeker, the US State Department's Chief Adviser on Caucasus Negotiations.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the tense situation in the region and possible steps to return to the normalization process.

"Minister Jeyhun Bayramov gave detailed information about the clashes that took place in the border areas as a result of large-scale provocations by Armenia and the destructive steps of the Armenian side in the last few months. He said that the ceasefire reached on September 13 was violated by Armenia a few hours later, and our positions were under intense fire. The minister emphasized that Azerbaijan is carrying out reconstruction works in the region in the post-conflict period and has come up with peace initiatives. Thus it is not interested in aggravating the situation. The minister brought to the other side's attention that Armenia needs to fulfill its obligations within the framework of the agreements reached, to completely withdraw Armenian armed forces from Azerbaijan territory and stop provocations," the ministry stated.

Expressing concern over the tension on the border between the two countries, Philip Reeker stressed the importance of stabilizing the situation. He said they favor resolving all disagreements through political and diplomatic means and that the US side is ready to support the normalization process.

Conversation with the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs of the United States

On September 14, another telephone conversation took place between Jeyhun Bayramov and Karen Donfried, the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs of the United States.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov informed about the ongoing tension of the Armenian armed forces in the areas along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border and brought to the other side's attention the serious concern of the Azerbaijani side about the situation.

"It was emphasized that despite the ceasefire reached on September 13, the Armenian side continued to attack our positions in violation of the agreement, and our military personnel were killed. It was noted that Azerbaijan only responded to the attacks of the Armenian side and targeted its military units. It was emphasized that it is important for Armenia to observe the ceasefire unconditionally, refrain from provocations and solve problems through negotiations. It was stated that Azerbaijan is interested in the process of normalization with Armenia at the political and diplomatic level," the report added.

Karen Donfried expressed concern about the growing tension in the region and said that the US side expects an immediate cessation of hostilities and compliance with the ceasefire. He stressed that ensuring stability and continuing the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia is important.

Meeting with the special representative of the President of Russia for international cultural cooperation

On September 14, a meeting was held between Jeyhun Bayramov and Mikhail Shvydkoy, the special representative of the President of the Russian Federation for international cultural cooperation.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the humanitarian and cultural areas of the bilateral cooperation agenda of Azerbaijan and Russia. They discussed the implementation of relevant measures on a bilateral and regional basis.

"Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also informed the other side about the tension in the region as a result of provocations by Armenia. He pointed out that Azerbaijan has unilaterally proposed a humanitarian ceasefire to Armenia and that it is not in the interest of our country to escalate the situation and destabilize it," the report said.

Special representative Mikhail Shvydkoy expressed his hope that the clashes would stop. He noted that he is always ready to support the development of cooperation relations in the humanitarian and cultural fields and confidence-building measures.

Conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran

On September 14, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan had a telephone conversation with Huseyn Amir-Abdollahian, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, based on the initiative of Iran, the Press Office of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reported.

"Minister Jeyhun Bayramov informed his colleague about the next large-scale provocations committed by Armenia against Azerbaijan, grossly violating the principles of international law and its obligations. Emphasizing that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces have taken retaliatory measures in response to this provocation, which threatens the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, and the security of military personnel and civilians, the minister pointed out that 50 of our servicemen were martyred during the prevention of the provocation. It was brought to the attention of the other side that this provocation by Armenia seriously harms the peace process at a time when great restoration and construction works are going on in our liberated territories, as well as attempts are being made towards the normalization of relations between the two states," the report stated.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Huseyn Amir-Abdollahian said that the tension between Azerbaijan and Armenia is cause for concern and stated that the region is not ready for a new conflict. He noted that the territorial integrity of the region's countries and the inviolability of their international borders are important for Iran. Minister Huseyn Amir-Abdollahian said they favor resolving the issues between Azerbaijan and Armenia through peaceful negotiations and that Iran is ready to help in this regard.

Conversation with the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of France

On September 13, Jeyhun Bayramov had a telephone conversation with Catherine Colonna, the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of France.

"Minister Jeyhun Bayramov pointed out to his colleague that Armenia did not fulfill its obligations accepted in the post-conflict period, resorted to military and political provocations contrary to the tripartite statements and agreements reached between the leaders, and on September 12-13, a large number of our military personnel were killed as a result of large-scale military aggression. At the same time, Jeyhun Bayramov drew attention to the fact that the Armenian military units have not been completely withdrawn from the territories of Azerbaijan and said that it is important for Armenia to abandon its policy of aggression," the report added.

Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna stressed that they are deeply concerned about the tension in the region and that it is important to continue the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and solve the problems at the political-diplomatic level.

Conversation with Josep Borrell

On September 13, Jeyhun Bayramov had a telephone conversation with Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Relations and Security Policy/Vice President of the EU Commission.

During the telephone conversation, the parties discussed the current situation in the region and the tension caused by Armenia's provocations against Azerbaijan along the border.

"Minister Jeyhun Bayramov pointed out that Armenia grossly violated its obligations and committed large-scale provocations. As a result of the intensive firing of our positions, 50 of our soldiers were martyred. These provocations are part of the provocations that have been ongoing by Armenia in recent months. It was emphasized that the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan implemented adequate response measures to military provocations to protect our country's territorial integrity," the ministry stated.

During the phone conversation, High Representative Joseph Borrell expressed his concern about the tension. Borrell noted that it is important to continue negotiations between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia through the mediation of the President of the Council of the European Union, Charles Michel. The special representative of the European Union for the South Caucasus, Toivo Klaar, drew attention to his intention to visit the region on September 14.

Conversation with Russian Foreign Minister

On September 13, a phone conversation took place between Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Sergey Lavrov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Press Office of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reported. 

During the telephone conversation, the parties discussed the clashes and tension in the region. 

"Minister Jeyhun Bayramov reported on the current situation in the region as a result of large-scale provocations by the Armenian armed forces, as well as the steps taken by Azerbaijan to prevent aggression. It was emphasized that during the last month, Armenia regularly fired at our positions, continued mining our territories, and did not completely remove the Armenian armed forces from our territories, contrary to the tripartite declarations," the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry stated.

Sergey Lavrov pointed out that avoiding conflict in the region is necessary. He emphasized the importance of the full implementation of the tripartite declarations signed between the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the Russian Federation.