Baku, SANA- Bilateral relations between Syria and Azerbaijan have entered a new phase following the fall of the former regime, revealing diverse opportunities for enhancing cooperation, particularly after the resumption of diplomatic relations and the reopening of Azerbaijan’s embassy in Damascus, which had been closed for 12 years, according to Lala Khalilzade, a leading advisor at the Center for International Relations Analysis in Azerbaijan.
Khalilzade explained to SANA that, given the current developments, promising prospects have emerged for strengthening cooperation between Syria and Azerbaijan and elevating it to a more effective level. The resumption of activities at Azerbaijan’s embassy in Damascus reflects a mutual commitment to explore new horizons in political and diplomatic collaboration.
The announcement by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, just two days after the overthrow of the former regime, expressing its desire to restore bilateral relations, marks a significant step in efforts to enhance ties between the two countries at various levels.
Khalilzade highlighted the importance of Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev’s visit to Damascus, where he met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, reaffirming Azerbaijan’s support for Syria during this critical period.
Khalilzade noted the involvement of Azerbaijani embassy staff in Syria in distributing humanitarian aid at an IDP camp in Aleppo province, organizing an Iftar meal for 1,000 orphaned children in Damascus, and dispatching a humanitarian convoy loaded with approximately 200 tons of food and supplies to Syria under the directives of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. These efforts have been underway since the embassy resumed its operations and appointed Elnur Shahhuseynov as chargé d’affaires.
Khalilzade emphasized the need to support Syria and the importance of coordination with all countries to ensure its stability and address its humanitarian issues. She referred to the congratulatory cable sent by President Aliyev to President Ahmad al-Sharaa upon assuming office as President of Syria, inviting him to visit Baku, a move that opens vast avenues for collaboration.
Regarding the historical and cultural bonds linking the two peoples, Khalilzade pointed out that their relations date back to the era of the Silk Road and continued both before and after Azerbaijan gained independence through trade, diplomatic relations, and cultural integration. Shared values further unite the two peoples.
She highlighted that the initial establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries dates back 33 years to 1992, with a decision to establish the Azerbaijani embassy in Damascus made in 1997, and its official operation commencing in 2008.
Latifa Moammar/Ruaa al-Jazaeri
