A conversation with Elmar Mammadyarov

On December 7th, the SDA welcomed the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan H.E. Dr. Elmar Mammadyarov for an evening debate. The minister outlined the challenges and opportunities facing his country on the 20th anniversary of its independence. Noting strong economic growth in the region, he nonetheless acknowledged the need to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and fight corruption. On Afghanistan, the minister avowed “a strong conviction” that the international community must continue to support the war-torn country beyond NATO’s 2014 pull-out.

When discussing Baku’s conflict with neighbouring Armenia, Mr. Mammadyarov explained that “there are enormous opportunities” for regional prosperity to be had from its resolution. However, declaring that “one single life of a soldier is too high a price compared to what we can do by peaceful means”, diplomacy remains Azerbaijan’s first and best option for addressing this long-term problem.

Find the report of the event here.