-- International context
The meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs of the Non-Alignment Movement under the title "Non-Alignment Movement; united and steadfast in facing emerging challenges" began on July 5 at the Baku Convention Center and continued for two days.
The main objective behind the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961 at the height of the Cold War was to maintain an independent stance toward both the United States and the Soviet Union. The emphasis was on the independence and national solidarity among member countries.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the United States' pursuit of a unilateral order to weaken the independence of other countries, members of the Non-Aligned Movement united to establish a new order based on multilateralism in the world. In light of this, the movement is committed to opposing the self-centeredness and authoritarianism displayed by the United States and some of its allies.
Russia and China, though not members of the Non-Aligned Movement due to their membership in the UN Security Council, support the notion of multilateralism championed by the movement.
Members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) also seek to strengthen multilateralism within the same framework as the Non-Aligned Movement, thereby gradually establishing and promoting this new order in the future.
Iran as a completely non-aligned nation and a proponent of multilateralism and the resistance against global dictatorship can play a significant role in this domain. In his speech at this meeting, Mr. Amirabdollahian expressed support for a multilateral order worldwide and proclaimed Iran's opposition to the dominance of one or more Western powers over international relations.
Furthermore, a dedicated session of the Palestine Support Committee was held on the sidelines of the conference. Amid Israel's brutal assaults on the Jenin camp, the foreign minister denounced Israel's aggression against the Palestinian people and vehemently opposed the normalization of relations between member states of the Non-Aligned Movement, particularly Muslim countries, and Israel.
Iran's stance transformed this summit into a platform for expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people, and the ongoing settlement policies in the occupied territories faced strong opposition from the movement's members.
--Bilateral relations
Due to recent developments in the Republic of Azerbaijan's approach towards Iran and the temporary suspension of its embassy's operations in Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran initially planned to participate in the Non-Alignment Movement meeting at the deputy minister level. However, following a call from the Azerbaijani Minister of Foreign Affairs to his Iranian counterpart, requesting Iran's attendance at the meeting, Mr. Amirabdollahian traveled to Baku.
As anticipated, the foreign minister's discussions with Azerbaijani authorities played a significant role in clarifying misunderstandings and establishing a foundation for enhancing relations between the two neighboring and fraternal countries. During these meetings, it became evident that Baku possesses a genuine desire to strengthen ties and resort to diplomatic means for resolving disputes and improving relations, a stance that Iran also welcomes.
Regarding the incident involving the attack on the Azerbaijani embassy and the subsequent actions taken by the judicial system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, one of the issues causing tension between Tehran and Baku is the trial of the assailant. Iranian authorities have unequivocally condemned this attack at all levels. During a meeting with the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilham Aliyev expressed hope for the "fair" punishment of those responsible for the assault on the country's embassy.
He was informed that the judiciary has initiated legal proceedings in this matter, and according to the latest statement by the judiciary spokesperson, the issue is under serious investigation. It is anticipated that the judicial system of the Republic of Azerbaijan will also collaborate with Iran's judiciary to resolve the remaining uncertainties in the case with the assistance of Baku. Overall, it was hoped that the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Baku would expedite the resolution of the witness case.
The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan also expressed his country's intention to remove transportation barriers in the region and affirmed the importance of preserving Iran's historical routes in the area.
The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan also stated that his country is seeking to remove the blockage of transportation corridors in the region and said, “It adheres to the existence of historical routes of Iran in the region.”
This stance is viewed positively and can facilitate the resolution of differences between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently emphasized that Baku has no intention to impede transport routes or alter international borders. We believe that this region possesses the potential to become a crucial transportation route for the wider region, and Iran is ready to utilize its capacities to facilitate the realization of this objective.
Regarding transportation networks, media reports indicate that the President of Azerbaijan has announced his country's readiness to participate in the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway. Although Iran recently signed a contract with Russia for this project, both Iran and Russia welcome Azerbaijan's involvement. A trilateral meeting involving Tehran, Baku, and Moscow is planned in the near future to discuss the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway and accelerate its implementation.
Naturally, the enhancement of relations between Iran and Azerbaijan may displease certain third parties, including the Zionist regime, and it is crucial for both countries to remain cautious and not be influenced by the insinuations of their adversaries.
Mr. Aliyev declared that "our government will never allow any threats against the region or the Islamic Republic of Iran to originate from our soil." This is an appropriate position, and the consistent reaffirmation of this stance will disappoint Israel's efforts to undermine Tehran-Baku relations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs' astute presence in Baku and the bilateral meetings demonstrated that the Republic of Azerbaijan, after a prolonged period of disengagement from diplomacy, has come to this realization. Differences can be better resolved through direct dialogue and opportunities for cooperation. Engaging in diplomatic discussions and avoiding media debates between officials from both countries will strengthen relations and safeguard their common interests.
All in all, the bilateral meetings between Amirabdollahian and Azerbaijani officials can be viewed as a positive step toward the future of relations between the two countries, and we anticipate witnessing the positive outcomes of this meeting in the weeks to come.
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