Hajiyev told how Baku persuaded Israel to abandon plans to recognize the Armenian Genocide

Hikmet Hajiyev, aide to the president of Azerbaijan, told Turkish journalists how Baku persuaded Israel to abandon its plans to recognize the Armenian Genocide, which he claimed “were aimed at provoking Turkey.”

According to Hajiyev, Azerbaijan viewed the issue as a matter of principle and acted without prior consultations with Ankara. “Although we consult with Ankara on many issues, in this case we took action without prior discussions with Turkey. This is what the principle of ‘one nation, two states’ requires. We told Israel: ‘What you are doing is wrong. If you think this step will harm Turkey, you are mistaken,'” he said.

Hajiyev noted that the Azerbaijani side warned Israel that such a decision would not only fail to achieve its intended goal but would also damage Israel’s relations with Turkey and could negatively affect its ties with Azerbaijan as well as the perception of Israel among Azerbaijani society. “We explained that this would bring Israel no benefit and advised them to abandon the idea. They acknowledged that it had been the wrong decision and understood the importance of withdrawing it as soon as possible,” he said.

According to Hajiyev, Azerbaijan does not expect gratitude for these actions, and Turkey’s interests remain an unconditional priority for Baku. “It is our fraternal duty,” he said.