APA News Agency interviewed Elchin Gasimov, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Azerbaijan
The official visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Slovakia has great strategic significance for strengthening bilateral relations
– Mr Ambassador, how do you assess the strategic importance of the official visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Slovakia last December for the development of bilateral relations?
– The official visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Slovakia has great strategic significance for strengthening bilateral relations. This visit can be regarded as a new stage in Slovak–Azerbaijani relations for several reasons. It was the first historic official visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Slovakia, which opens a new chapter in bilateral relations and gives it special symbolic and political importance.
First, it envisages the launch of a direct air connection between Bratislava and Baku, which will make a significant contribution to the development of tourism and to strengthening ties between people and cultures.
Secondly, concrete opportunities are emerging for Slovak companies to participate in infrastructure projects in Azerbaijan. These projects may be financed by Slovak banks under Azerbaijan’s state guarantee.
Thirdly, such financing could accelerate the restoration of socio-economic life in Karabakh, which is currently a strategic priority for Azerbaijan.
Fourthly, military-industrial cooperation is also developing. In this area, Slovakia is interested not only in selling its own products, but also in purchasing Azerbaijan’s defence products and exchanging innovations in practical fields. Thus, this is a comprehensive approach that brings together transport connectivity, economic cooperation, post-conflict reconstruction, and military-technical partnership. This creates a new qualitative dimension in bilateral relations.
At the same time, following the signing of the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership during the official visit of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico to Azerbaijan, our countries have established active cooperation across many areas. Official visits at various levels and consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs are held annually. A number of official and business visits are also planned for this year, which demonstrates the dynamic development of our partnership.
In the long term, Slovakia will seek opportunities to purchase Azerbaijani gas
– The President of Slovakia has noted the long-term strategic importance of Azerbaijani natural gas for his country. What new projects related to the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Slovakia are currently at the preparation stage?
– At present, the possibilities for supplying Azerbaijani gas to Slovakia are being studied at the expert level. From a technical standpoint, Azerbaijani gas could be delivered to Slovakia via the Southern Gas Corridor, but the main constraint is the corridor’s transmission capacity. In the long term, Slovakia will seek opportunities to purchase Azerbaijani gas. Azerbaijan is currently helping diversify gas supplies to several European countries, which is an important contribution to the European Union’s energy security. Azerbaijan is one of the EU’s most important partners in the energy sector, and we will continue discussing and developing projects that could expand this cooperation in the future.
At present, the process of establishing several joint ventures in the defence industry is ongoing
– How do you see the prospects for military and military-technical cooperation between the two countries? What work is being done to establish joint ventures in the defence industry?
– Slovakia has historically had strong traditions in the defence industry. The country’s enterprises have extensive experience in producing modern weapons and military equipment, which creates a solid foundation for international cooperation. Slovakia views cooperation with Azerbaijan in the defence industry as a strategic direction. At present, the process of establishing several joint ventures is under way, and we see significant potential in this area for both sides.
Slovakia expresses gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the restoration of socio-economic life in Karabakh
– At what stage is the implementation of the “Smart Village” project in Bash Garvand village of Aghdam?
– In September last year, a Slovak company, together with Azerbaijani partners, began construction work in Bash Garvand village of the Aghdam district. The first phase of the project will be completed this year. As part of the project, the Slovak side has also undertaken the construction of a school for 800 students. Slovakia expresses its gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the restoration of socio-economic life in Karabakh.
– Is a visit by the President or Prime Minister of Slovakia to Azerbaijan’s liberated territories planned?
– A number of high-level official and business visits between Slovakia and Azerbaijan are planned for this year. Visits by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Chairman of the Slovak National Council Richard Raši are also envisaged. Work is currently under way to agree on the timing of these visits. According to the information available to us, during their visits to Azerbaijan, the President and the Chairman of the National Council also plan to visit the liberated territories.
Slovakia wants to take an active part in the Middle Corridor
– The Middle Corridor is of great importance for strengthening regional connectivity and ensuring the stability of global production and supply chains. How do you see Slovakia’s prospects for participation in this project?
– Slovakia views the Middle Corridor as a strategic transport route linking Asia and Europe and is keen to take an active part in its implementation. Slovakia’s location in the heart of Europe enables it to serve as a logistics hub for goods transported to European countries via the Middle Corridor. We see significant potential in the development of rail and road networks that ensure efficient transit connections.
Slovak companies are ready to offer their experience and relevant technologies in transport and logistics, infrastructure construction, and the digitalization of transport processes. We are also interested in deepening trade and economic cooperation with Azerbaijan as a key partner along this route.
The development of the Middle Corridor aligns with the interests of both Slovakia and the European Union as a whole in diversifying transport routes and strengthening economic ties between Europe and Asia. This is of particular importance in the current global geopolitical environment.
The initialing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia is a historic achievement that will bring security, stability, and economic development to the South Caucasus
– What is official Bratislava’s position on the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia?
– On 8 August last year, Azerbaijan and Armenia initialed the text of a peace agreement. We sincerely congratulate Azerbaijan and Armenia on this occasion. This is a historic achievement that will bring security, stability, and economic development to the South Caucasus. It clearly demonstrates that peace is possible even in the most difficult situations, including for Europe. We hope that the progress achieved will soon lead to the signing of a comprehensive peace treaty between the two states.
A Slovak Tourist Information Center will open in Baku in the near future
– Is the implementation of joint tourist exchanges between our countries planned?
– As I mentioned, direct flights between Bratislava and Baku are planned. This will make a significant contribution to the development of tourist exchanges between Slovakia and Azerbaijan. In the near future, a Slovak Tourist Information Center will also open in Baku. Azerbaijani citizens will be able to obtain all the necessary information there about Slovakia, including tourism opportunities in resort cities. We are confident that these initiatives will strengthen mutual understanding between our peoples and bring economic benefits to both countries. The development of tourist exchanges is one of the priority areas of our bilateral relations.
Slovakia will always defend its national interests
– My final question concerns the conflict in Ukraine. In some cases, differences of opinion arise between Slovakia and the European Union regarding Ukraine. What can you say about this?
– Slovakia is a small, export-oriented country, and for this reason we seek to develop relations with all regions of the world. The European Union is a union of 27 sovereign states, and differences of opinion on international events are natural. This is part of a democratic and healthy dialogue. As a rule, such differences arise over decisions that could have a negative impact on our country and our citizens. Slovakia will always defend its national interests.
However, it is important to emphasize that the European Union and NATO remain our natural living space. We are committed to constructive dialogue and to seeking solutions that take into account both common European interests and the needs of Slovakia.
Aygun Jarchiyeva
Photo – Ilkin Nabiyev © APAGROUP
