On August 4, Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, held an expanded-format meeting in Baku with Ignazio Cassis, the Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, who was visiting Azerbaijan officially. The sides discussed Azerbaijan-Switzerland relations, Switzerland’s priorities during its OSCE chairmanship, Azerbaijan-OSCE cooperation, the post-conflict situation in the region, and the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process.

Bayramov and Cassis noted that Azerbaijan and Switzerland will mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, describing the milestone as an opportunity to review the development of bilateral ties. The ministers emphasized the importance of maintaining high-level contacts and continuing regular political consultations between their foreign ministries. Bayramov noted that the latest round of consultations held in Baku in April demonstrated the importance of this mechanism.

During the discussions, the sides addressed economic cooperation, including the work of the Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. Bayramov highlighted the energy sector as one of the main areas of bilateral partnership, while Cassis noted the role of SOCAR Energy in Switzerland as an example of mutually beneficial cooperation. The Azerbaijani minister stated that Switzerland has invested $1.6 billion in Azerbaijan over the past 30 years, while Azerbaijan has invested $2.3 billion in Switzerland. He added that the next meeting of the joint economic commission is expected to take place in autumn.

Cassis stated that Switzerland and Azerbaijan have developed long-standing relations based on trust and that there is significant potential for expanding cooperation in areas such as economic diversification, innovation, logistics, infrastructure, trade and investment. He added that Switzerland sees opportunities to further strengthen the partnership with Azerbaijan.

The officials also discussed Switzerland’s priorities as the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, including science and diplomacy, innovative technologies, water management, energy security and digital security. Bayramov emphasized that amid growing security challenges across the OSCE region, the organization should use its comprehensive security approach and broad membership to maintain its role in addressing regional issues. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s support for multilateralism based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, inclusive dialogue and consensus.

During the press statements, addressing the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, Bayramov stated that a de facto peace has been established between the two countries and that progress has been achieved through direct bilateral negotiations. He emphasized that Azerbaijan’s position regarding a final peace agreement remains unchanged, stating that Armenia must remove provisions from its Constitution that Baku considers territorial claims against Azerbaijan. "The progress achieved is taking place through bilateral negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and we will continue discussions in the future. Regarding the peace agreement, Azerbaijan's stance remains unchanged. A peace agreement is possible if territorial claims against Azerbaijan are removed from the Armenian constitution," Bayramov said.

The Azerbaijani foreign minister also informed Cassis about confidence-building measures between the two countries and highlighted the importance of continuing cooperation in areas where the OSCE can provide practical assistance. A significant part of the meeting focused on the issue of landmines and unexploded ordnance in Azerbaijan’s territories. Bayramov stated that mine contamination remains one of the country’s most serious humanitarian challenges and called for greater involvement from the OSCE and its member states. He noted that 433 people have become victims of mine incidents since 2020 and emphasized that Azerbaijan is primarily addressing the issue through its own resources. "Azerbaijan faces the problem of mine threats and the presence of unexploded ordnance. The OSCE, as an organization with experience in this field, can support Azerbaijan on this issue," Bayramov said.

The officials also discussed regional and international security issues, including the situation surrounding Ukraine and developments in the Middle East. Cassis stated that Russia’s war against Ukraine remains one of the most serious challenges to European security and the principles of the OSCE. He emphasized that the organization needs stronger support from participating states to contribute to achieving a just and lasting peace. "The OSCE alone is not capable of stopping the war. This requires the support of participating states," Cassis stated.

Regarding regional connectivity, Cassis emphasized Azerbaijan’s geopolitical importance as a link between Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Europe. He highlighted the importance of developing the Middle Corridor and establishing reliable, diversified trade routes. Cassis stated that strengthening connectivity and regional cooperation is also in Switzerland’s interest. The Swiss official also highlighted the presence of SOCAR fuel stations in Switzerland, noting that he personally uses them while driving. "SOCAR is a well-known company in Switzerland. When I drive, I sometimes use its fuel stations as well," Cassis stated. At the same time, he noted that Switzerland aims to gradually transition toward a future with reduced dependence on fossil fuels.

Cassis also stated that Switzerland continues to support the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He emphasized that nearly a year after the initialing of the peace agreement, there is an opportunity to achieve lasting peace and that Switzerland is ready to assist if requested by both sides. "Switzerland has consistently supported peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. We are proud that Switzerland has been able to make, even if small, a contribution to advancing this process," Cassis said. The Swiss Foreign Minister added that he and Bayramov agreed to hold another meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Cassis stated that Switzerland values its partnership with Azerbaijan and intends to continue expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.