Prominent Azerbaijani writer and chairman of the Writers’ Union of Azerbaijan, Anar Rzayev, has said he is open to meeting Armenian writers if they express interest in dialogue, emphasizing his long-standing belief in the power of people’s diplomacy.
“I have always believed in the strength of public diplomacy. If Armenian writers are willing and take the initiative, I am ready to meet and hold discussions with them on the path toward peace,” Anar told Musavat.com.
The national writer noted that any potential dialogue must come from the Armenian side:
“If they have such intentions, let them reach out to us. I am open to meeting and exchanging views. But I do not plan to take the first step myself. To be honest, I currently have no contact with Armenian writers – it’s been a long time since we’ve met at international literary events.”
He added that a meeting would be welcome as long as it is guided by goodwill and free of political provocation.
“If the meeting is sincere and not driven by provocation, why should I oppose it? The Azerbaijani side has always been genuine – I expect the same from them. People’s diplomacy must exist,” Anar said.
His remarks come after a rare visit to Yerevan on October 21, where representatives of Azerbaijani civil society participated in talks aimed at supporting the peace process between the two countries. The meeting – the first of its kind – included discussions with Armenian civic leaders and officials.
The Azerbaijani delegation included Farhad Mammadov (head of the Center for South Caucasus Studies), Rusif Huseynov (co-founder and director of the Topchubashov Center), Ramil Iskandarli (chairman of the National NGO Forum), Kamala Mammadova (editor-in-chief of 1news.az), and Dilara Afandiyeva (head of the Women for Peace and Security Center). A return visit by Armenian civil society representatives to Baku is expected in the coming weeks.
