Baku, August 17, AZERTAC

Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev has given an interview to AZERTAC regarding the Armenian Foreign Ministry's accusations against Turkey. AZERTAC presents the interview.

- In a statement on the Eastern Mediterranean, the Armenian Foreign Ministry has made accusations against Turkey. What is your take on that?

- The fact that Armenia is making such nonsensical statements instead of eliminating the consequences of Armenia's aggressive policy, which poses a serious threat to peace and security in the region, shows once again that Yerevan’s actual intention is to conceal its aggressive policy and to make false accusations against other countries.

This statement by Armenia, a country that reflects its territorial claims against Turkey in its coat of arms and has been occupying the internationally recognized territories of Azerbaijan for nearly 30 years, is both ridiculous and represents an attempt to interfere in matters that are completely unrelated to it. Armenia is completely unaware of the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the only reason for its statement is that the issue concerns Turkey.

Armenia should know where it belongs and not overstep its limits. The Armenian leaders should understand that diplomacy is a serious field and there is no room for insincere and irresponsible statements. As Turkish Foreign Ministry has rightly stated, Armenia should not confuse the lake it calls Sevan, which has the historical name of Goycha, with the Mediterranean Sea.

Recent statements by Armenian officials on the Treaty of Sevres show yet again that this country can’t stop being held hostage of the past, put aside its unfounded hatred and learn to live in peace with its neighbors.

Fraternal Turkey operates in the Eastern Mediterranean in accordance with the norms and principles of international law and its national interests. The mooring of the “Oruc Rais” seismic vessel at its destination is in full compliance with law. We unequivocally support Turkey's position. Turkey is protecting its rights and interests in the region in accordance with international law.

As President Ilham Aliyev stressed, Azerbaijan and Turkey always stand by each other. There are no other countries in the world that would be as close and attached to each other as Azerbaijan and Turkey.

We appreciate the resolute support brotherly Turkey provided to Azerbaijan during the provocations Armenia committed in the Tovuz direction of the state border, the joint military exercises held in our country and the visit of Turkish military commanders, including the Defense Minister, to our country.

- Speaking about Azerbaijan’s relations with countries of the region, we would like to know your views on Azerbaijani-Georgian relations.

- Azerbaijan and Georgia have relations of friendship and strategic partnership. Our relations are one of the most successful models of good neighborliness and can serve as an example for other countries. Both countries are suffering from the violation of territorial integrity. Our countries support each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Through joint efforts, Azerbaijan and Georgia have successfully implemented major energy and transport projects. We look forward to another success story, the Southern Gas Corridor, to be commissioned by the end of the year. Azerbaijani companies are major taxpayers in Georgia. Our companies have a number of new proposals for further development of economic cooperation.

There is a constructive and trust-based dialogue between the Azerbaijani government and the current government of Georgia. We discuss any issue openly and amicably. This cooperation is mutually beneficial and serves the interests of our peoples and states. We appreciate the fact that Tbilisi did not allow for the weapons bound for Armenia to be transported across Georgian territory the other day.

Both the Azerbaijani and Georgian governments are determined to further deepen bilateral relations.