Relations between Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina are entering a new phase of deepening cooperation, spanning defense, energy, reconstruction, culture, and economic development. In an interview for Sarajevo Times, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Bosnia and Herzegovina His Excellency Mr. Vilayat Guliyev speaks about the strategic direction of bilateral ties, concrete forms of cooperation, and the message Azerbaijan sends to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Defense cooperation has recently been highlighted as one of the important topics in high-level meetings between officials of the two countries. According to the Ambassador, cooperation between Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina in this field can be strengthened in several practical and mutually beneficial areas, including military education and training, the exchange of expertise in peacekeeping operations, defense industry cooperation, and sharing experience in modernizing armed forces in line with international standards.
“President Ilham Aliyev has consistently emphasized that defense cooperation should serve peace, stability, and capacity-building rather than confrontation. During his visit to Sarajevo in 2023, President Aliyev underlined the great importance Azerbaijan attaches to cooperation in the defense field, viewing it as a component of broader bilateral relations. From this perspective, citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina can realistically expect enhanced institutional cooperation, professional training opportunities, and closer ties that contribute to regional security and resilience – always in full respect of international law andthe sovereignty of both states,” Mr. Ambassador starts his interview with Sarajevo Times.
Speaking about the importance of inclusive relations and friendly ties with all peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ambassador stresses that this approach is absolutely fundamental. Azerbaijan’s foreign policy, as articulated by President Ilham Aliyev, is based on respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and sincere friendship with all peoples of partner countries. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s multicultural and multiethnic character is fully respected and appreciated by Azerbaijan.
“Such an approach builds trust and allows cooperation to develop on solid ground. The most promising areas for immediate progress include energy cooperation, economic investment, defense dialogue, education, and cultural exchange. These sectors offer tangible benefits and enjoy strong political support on both sides,” he added.
Reflecting on Azerbaijan’s early recognition of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995, the Ambassador describes that decision as principled and sincere, reflecting solidarity with a country emerging from a difficult and tragic period. That moment laid the moral and political foundation for bilateral relations. Looking back, it demonstrated Azerbaijan’s commitment to justice, sovereignty, and international legitimacy – values that continue to shape the partnership today. This commitment was further reinforced by Azerbaijan’s decision to open its Embassy in Sarajevo in 2022, which gave new institutional momentum to bilateral cooperation and signaled a long-term dedication to strengthening political, economic, and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Over the past three decades, Azerbaijan – Bosnia and Herzegovina relations have evolved from symbolic solidarity into a mature and constructive partnership. Political dialogue has become more frequent, mutual visits at high levels have intensified, and cooperation has expanded into concrete sectors such as energy, defense, and trade. This transformation reflects growing mutual confidence and a shared understanding of regional and global challenges. A particularly important dimension of bilateral relations has been Azerbaijan’s consistent humanitarian assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina during times of need.
In 2014, following the devastating floods across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Azerbaijan provided humanitarian aid worth 336,000 US dollars to support affected communities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Azerbaijan again demonstrated solidarity: in 2020, it delivered humanitarian assistance worth 244,000 US dollars in medical and hygiene supplies, along with additional financial assistance amounting to 588,000 US dollars. In 2021, Azerbaijan further supported Bosnia and Herzegovina by donating 40,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines.
“Most recently, on 10 December 2024, acting on the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan allocated 200,000 euros in financial assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina to support reconstruction efforts in areas affected by floods and landslides following the natural disaster that occurred in October 2024. As President Aliyev has emphasized, including during his official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2023, Azerbaijan regards such assistance as a reflection of genuine friendship and long-term partnership.
Looking ahead, there is a shared expectation that bilateral relations will continue to deepen through more frequent high-level visits, the establishment of regular political consultations, and the creation of a joint economic commission. These mechanisms would provide a structured framework for advancing cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and other priority areas, further strengthening the strategic and long-term nature of relations between Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina,” His Excellency explained.
When speaking about economic opportunities, the Ambassador highlights Azerbaijan’s experience in post-conflict reconstruction as one of the most significant areas for cooperation. Following the end of nearly 30 years of occupation of its territories, including Karabakh and East Zangezur, Azerbaijan has launched one of the largest reconstruction and rehabilitation programs in the region. As President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly emphasized, entire cities and villages that were completely destroyed during the occupation are now being rebuilt from scratch based on the concepts of “smart cities” and “smart villages.” Massive investments are being made in transport infrastructure, energy networks, housing, public services, and social facilities.
Today, former internally displaced persons are gradually returning to their ancestral homes in Karabakh and East Zangezur under the state program known as the “Great Return,” which includes not only housing, but also employment, education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods. Economic cooperation is expected to grow through increased trade, investment, and joint projects, particularly in infrastructure development, defense industry cooperation, energy security, and logistics.
The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Sarajevo plans to further intensify political dialogue, promote economic cooperation, and support business-to-business contacts in the year ahead. Strong emphasis is also placed on cultural diplomacy through the organization of cultural events, academic exchanges, and public discussions that bring the two societies closer together. Strengthening people-to-people contacts, especially among youth, scholars, and professionals, remains a key priority. In this context, the Embassy every year translates into Bosnian and publishes a range of books dedicated to the ancient and modern history of Azerbaijan, as well as works by prominent Azerbaijani authors.
In addition, the Embassy regularly organizes concerts and cultural events featuring Azerbaijani classical and national music. Building on these efforts, a concert by the world-renowned Azerbaijani tenor YusifEyvazov is planned for this year, which is expected to be a significant cultural highlight and a further contribution to strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.
Looking to the future, the Ambassador says that Azerbaijan – Bosnia and Herzegovina relations are expected to deepen both in security and economic dimensions. From the security perspective, Azerbaijan’s experience in restoring sovereignty, ensuring stability, and transitioning from conflict to peace offers valuable lessons. President Ilham Aliyev has underlined that Azerbaijan’s post-conflict agenda is focused on peace, reconstruction, and the dignified return of displaced populations.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has its own post-conflict experience, can find meaningful opportunities in construction, engineering services, energy infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and urban planning. Azerbaijani companies are open to cooperation, joint ventures, and the exchange of expertise, while Bosnian companies can also benefit from participating in reconstruction-related projects and broader economic initiatives,” he explained.
Finally, the Ambassador sends a message of sincere friendship and solidarity to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Azerbaijan, he says, deeply understands the value of peace, sovereignty, and rebuilding after conflict. After more than three decades of occupation, Azerbaijan is now restoring its liberated territories and enabling thousands of families to return home with dignity, an experience that strengthens its empathy and respect for Bosnia and Herzegovina and its citizens.
“Azerbaijan stands firmly for cooperation, mutual respect, and peaceful development. We see Bosnia and Herzegovina as a friendly and important partner, and we are confident that our relations will continue to grow for the benefit of both nations and future generations.In this spirit, Azerbaijan is keen to further encourage tourism and business activity between our countries, recognizing their important role in bringing societies closer together and creating tangible benefits for citizens. Azerbaijan has offered to initiate the procedures for establishing a visa-free regime for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which would significantly facilitate travel, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges,” His Excellency concluded interview with Sarajevo Times.
At the same time, while Bosnia and Herzegovina appointed its ambassador to Azerbaijan two years ago, the Embassy has not yet been opened, and there is sincere hope that it will be opened soon, further strengthening diplomatic presence and reflecting the growing depth of bilateral relations.
