Azerbaijan is committed to advancing a sustainable peace with Armenia and expects constructive support from the international community, Presidential Aide and Head of the Foreign Policy Department Hikmet Hajiyev said during a series of high-level meetings and panel discussions at the Doha Forum.
Speaking to regional and international media, Hajiyev stressed that the recently initialed peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan has established “legitimacy, rule of law and a new status quo” in the South Caucasus. He noted that officials from both countries remain in “regular and active contact” to ensure the full implementation of agreements reached.
Call for balanced international engagement
Hajiyev urged political stakeholders and foreign media to avoid rhetoric that could undermine the process.
“We are doing everything possible to advance the peace agenda. But we need political support from the international community – and political will,” he said. “Sometimes we see elements in public statements that pull us backward. This shouldn’t happen. We look to the future.”
He added that international actors should refrain from narratives that “drag the region back into the past,” emphasizing the importance of forward-looking analysis by think tanks and journalists.
Dialogue with Tucker Carlson
Hajiyev also disclosed details of an exchange with American broadcaster Tucker Carlson during the forum.
“I told him that his latest material on Armenian-Azerbaijani relations was not sufficiently helpful for peace,” Hajiyev said. “He agreed. I even suggested that next time he invite both Azerbaijani and Armenian representatives together to discuss the real peace agenda.”
Regional connectivity and Zangazur corridor
Addressing economic prospects, Hajiyev underlined that the South Caucasus needs tangible international support to unlock the full benefits of peace – including regional connectivity projects such as the Zangazur corridor and broader Middle Corridor initiatives.
“These are not just transport routes. These are elements of geopolitics and long-term economic cooperation,” he said.
Meeting with Qatar’s Minister for International Cooperation
On the sidelines of the forum, Hajiyev met Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad. The sides discussed strengthening “brotherly relations” and expanding cooperation in areas of shared interest.
Joint panel with Armenia
A panel titled “Armenia–Azerbaijan: Durable Peace, Washington Agreement and Common Future” brought together Hajiyev and Armenia’s National Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan. Participants reviewed the economic opportunities emerging from peace and the steps already taken under the Washington Agreement, including confidence-building measures.
“I reiterated Azerbaijan’s firm intention to turn the South Caucasus into a zone of lasting peace and prosperity,” Hajiyev said.
A rare moment of optimism
Despite global instability and new conflict flashpoints worldwide, Hajiyev described the closure of a long-standing conflict in the South Caucasus as “positive news,” marking an important shift in regional dynamics.
“In the past, Armenia and Azerbaijan argued endlessly about conflict,” he said. “Today we speak about peace. The bilateral format has proven to be effective.”
