On Tuesday 4 May 2021, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, HE Fariz Fikrat oglu Rzayev, visited the GCSP, together with HE Ambassador Vaqif Sadiqov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UN Office in Geneva, and his deputy, Mr Seymur Mardaliyev. They were welcomed by HE Ambassador Thomas Greminger, Director of the GCSP, as well as by Colonel (GS) Christian Bühlmann, Head of Diplomatic Dialogue and Ms Alexandra Matas, Deputy Head of  Diplomatic Dialogue. 

Ambassador Greminger, who took the position of GCSP Director on 1 May, welcomed the delegation and described the longstanding relationship between the GCSP and the Republic of Azerbaijan, a member of the Centre’s Foundation Council. He highlighted the courses previously given by the GCSP in Baku, the collaboration with local institutions and the number of GCSP alumni from Azerbaijan. 

Deputy Minister Rzayev explained the Azerbaijani perception of the current situation in Azerbaijan after the end of the hostilities. Peace and stability in the region are paramount. In this respect, the expansion of transportation infrastructure could lead to positive developments. 

Both parties stressed the need for dialogue to bring peace and stability in the region and shared the view that the GCSP, as an independent, impartial, and inclusive institution, could contribute to this goal.