Bilateral relations and Swiss cooperation
In her meeting with President of the National Council Irène Kälin, Ms Gafarova spoke of the friendly relations her country has shared with Switzerland for 30 years now. In particular, she mentioned the key role of the World Economic Forum in strengthening bilateral relations through annual meetings at presidential level. Ms Gafarova emphasised their strong economic ties and great further potential. In addition to having good economic relations, Ms Kälin recalled that Switzerland and Azerbaijan belong to the same Bretton Woods constituency, which also celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Furthermore, she referred to the 20-year presence of Swiss development cooperation in Azerbaijan. Switzerland's latest Cooperation Programme for the South Caucasus region was launched in January of this year. Its main objectives in Azerbaijan are to promote a favourable business environment, support macroeconomic planning and help disadvantaged women in Azerbaijan set up their own business or obtain employment through women's resource centres.
Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia – Conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh
Ms Gafarova said that Azerbaijan was now looking forward to peace and stability. She added that her country had offered Armenia a peace agreement and was planning to rebuild villages in the Karabakh region. The main obstacle to reconstruction remains the presence of landmines and the absence of maps showing their locations.
Responding, the National Council president noted that Switzerland appreciated Azerbaijan's offer of a peace deal to Armenia and that it is essential that the Armenian minorities in Azerbaijan can live there in safety.
Russia's attack on Ukraine
Ms Kälin enquired as to Azerbaijan's position in relation to Ukraine, given its historical links and geographical proximity to Russia. Ms Gafarova replied that her country had experienced a situation somewhat similar to that of Ukraine with the conflict in Karabakh, which had resulted in an influx of a million refugees or internally displaced persons, together with all the difficulties and suffering this entailed. She spoke of the strategic ties between Azerbaijan and Ukraine and of her country's recognition of Ukraine's territorial integrity even before the war. Since Russia's attack on 24 February, Azerbaijan has sent humanitarian supplies to Ukraine.