Elnur Mammadov: Voice of Global South growing stronger in polarized world

Azerbaijan is interested in resuming the work of the Peruvian embassy in Baku, which will not only strengthen bilateral ties, but also expand opportunities for cooperation, Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elnur Mammadov said in an exclusive interview with the influential Peruvian newspaper La Razon. 

"Peru opened an embassy in Baku in 2017, but it only worked for two years. Resuming the work of the diplomatic mission would significantly strengthen bilateral ties and expand our opportunities for cooperation. Diplomatic missions ensure smoother political contact, promote trade, investment growth, cultural and educational exchange," Mammadov emphasized.  

Amid growing global instability, Elnur Mammadov especially noted the strategic importance of strengthening cooperation between the countries of the Global South.  

He recalled the significant role of Azerbaijan as the chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) from 2019 to 2023, the second largest international organization after the UN, uniting 121 states.  

"Conflicts are growing. Even the UN is having difficulty resolving them. In our case [the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict – ed.], four resolutions have not been implemented. There are also contradictions within the NAM. We can discuss whether the movement has had its best or worst days, but the reason for its existence is still relevant. In a polarized world, the voice of the Global South is becoming stronger: its weight in global GDP has increased compared to the 60s and 70s. Managing a forum of 121 states is not easy – but its importance has not diminished," the diplomat noted.  

 Azerbaijan is actively developing educational diplomacy, offering 100 scholarships to students from NAM member states.

According to Mammadov, Baku would be happy to see more Peruvian youth in Azerbaijani universities, which would contribute to the formation of long-term ties between the countries. According to the deputy minister, despite the geographical distance, Azerbaijan and Peru have impressive potential for cooperation in various fields.   

Mammadov paid special attention to cooperation in the fight against climate change, recalling that both countries chaired the UN climate conferences (COP) in different years. Logistics and transport represent another promising area.   

The Peruvian port of Chancay, integrated into China's Belt and Road Initiative, and the largest port in the Caspian Sea, Baku, can become important hubs for intercontinental trade. Azerbaijan, which serves as a link between Asia and Europe through the Middle Corridor and the North-South Corridor, offers Peru unique opportunities to enter new markets. 

Among other potential areas of cooperation, Mammadov highlighted the extraction of rare metals, energy (including renewable sources), agriculture and tourism.  

 "For three decades, we have focused our resources on liberating our lands and restoring sovereignty. Having achieved this goal, we now have more energy to open up and prioritize ties with countries such as Peru," the deputy minister emphasized.   

Elnur Mammadov also spoke about the significant progress in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, large-scale restoration work in the liberated territories and ongoing demining efforts in the region. According to him, establishing lasting peace in the South Caucasus will bring economic benefits to all countries in the region, including Armenia.   

"For decades, Armenia has remained outside any strategic projects in the region due to the occupation policy. Normalization with Türkiye and opening of borders will unlock the regional potential and provide new opportunities for Armenia as well," Mammadov added.