Baku urges Armenia, France to prevent burning of Turkish, Azerbaijani flags

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov called on the governments of Armenia and France to prevent hate-fueled acts during protests, including the burning of Turkish and Azerbaijani flags.

The hate crime incidents occurred during demonstrations marking the anniversary of the 1915 events.

Azerbaijani FM condemns hate speech and flag burning in Yerevan and Paris

Speaking at a joint press conference in Baku with European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Bayramov stated, “In a recent march in Yerevan, hate slogans were chanted against Azerbaijan and Türkiye, and flags were burned. A similar event took place yesterday in France.”

“We expect both governments to take practical and more serious steps to prevent these acts, which are shameful for any society,” he added.

Azerbaijan-EU agreement nears completion despite delays

During the press briefing, Bayramov also addressed the status of negotiations on a partnership agreement between Azerbaijan and the EU. Talks have been ongoing since 2017, and consensus has reportedly been reached on about 90% of the draft text.

However, Bayramov noted that progress had stalled in recent years, primarily over trade and economic issues.

Today welcomed EU High Representative @Kajakallas @AzerbaijanMFA.

Had an extensive discussion about the cooperation between Azerbaijan and EU, touching upon extensive support of Azerbaijan to energy security in Europe, including work done in securing the supply of clean energy.… pic.twitter.com/Xj8vJ9ZPfb

— Jeyhun Bayramov (@Bayramov_Jeyhun) April 25, 2025

He said that both sides had agreed to revisit the unresolved matters and update the agreement to reflect new circumstances.

According to Bayramov, the EU is Azerbaijan’s top trading partner. In 2024, trade volume between Azerbaijan and EU member states reached approximately $20 billion.

Gas exports highlight Azerbaijan’s role in European energy security

Bayramov reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s strategic role in European energy security. “We are currently exporting natural gas to 12 countries, including 8 EU member states and 10 countries in Europe,” he said.

He described Azerbaijan as a reliable and predictable partner for the EU and emphasized the need to further enhance energy and economic cooperation.

Peace talks with Armenia: Bayramov calls for constitutional reforms

Touching on regional diplomacy, Bayramov reiterated Azerbaijan’s expectations from the peace process with Armenia.

“Our European counterparts are well aware of our position, which has remained unchanged for over two years. Armenia must remove territorial claims against Azerbaijan from its constitution,” he said.

He also called for the official dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, labeling it irrelevant. Bayramov added that recent revanchist sentiments in Armenia, as well as the country’s rapid militarization, pose ongoing threats to regional stability.

Landmine issue continues to hinder Karabakh reconstruction

Bayramov highlighted the severe challenges posed by landmines in Karabakh and surrounding areas. “Despite significant investments, the landmine threat remains immense. Even after five years, we will need much longer to address it,” he stated.

He said nearly 400 Azerbaijani citizens had been affected by landmine explosions since the 2020 conflict, with 70 fatalities.

He called for enhanced cooperation with the EU on demining efforts, underscoring it as a key area for development.