Azerbaijan's entry in Non-Aligned Movement was far-sighted political move

Trend Agency commentator Elmira Tariverdiyeva It is possible to speak a lot about the success of Azerbaijan reached in the diplomatic arena in recent years. One of the last was the final document adopted by the meeting of foreign ministers of countries who are members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). In this document, the Non-Aligned Movement which Azerbaijan has been a member since May last year advocated a peaceful settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh in compliance with the inviolability of internationally recognised borders. The fact that the largest international organisation after the UN adopted a document on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and in fact recognised the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia, stating the importance of resolving the conflict on the basis of a return to the pre-war status quo, is the result of the efforts of Azerbaijani diplomacy. Many observers were surprised when Azerbaijan announced its decision to join the Non-Aligned Movement a year ago, but in reality it was the right and far-sighted political move. NAM was established in 1955 as an 'anti-domination' of world powers and manifestations of colonialism. The five main principles of the movement are: mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of each other, non-aggression against each other and non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and a life in peace. Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Uzbekistan are the only former Soviet republics who have joined this organisation. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Armenia are observers to NAM. Participation in the Non-Aligned Movement of course played a role in the election of Azerbaijan as non-permanent member of UN Security Council. The candidacy of Azerbaijan was supported by many countries of NAM. Azerbaijani participation in the Non-Aligned Movement proves to the world that the position of our country is one of friendly neutrality and an unwillingness to enter into any blocks. Azerbaijan does not want or intends to "make friends against someone". Azerbaijan, which appears at the intersection of geopolitical interests of world and regional powers, has been building a multi-vectored policy for many years, while maintaining a balance in foreign policy. It is the only country which was able to take the position of a strategic partner of both the United States and Russia after coming out of the Soviet Union, maintaining at the same time excellent relations with Iran and Israel, the European Union and Turkey. The proximity to Iran makes Baku a desirable ally for the West and Islamic roots are the reason of the friendship and alliance with Turkey and Iran. However, Baku preferred a different scheme. The country has built balanced and smooth friendly relations with all countries, including Russia, the Asian region and Europe throughout its years of independence. Of course, there are the most warm and fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey today. However, it does not affect the foreign policy of the country and an example of this is a constructive partnership between Azerbaijan and Israel. At the same time participation in the Non-Aligned Movement does not limit the efforts of the country to integrate into European and Euro-Atlantic structures which are still the objective of the country. However currently, Azerbaijan does not set goals to join NATO or any other military alliance because the integration does not mean membership. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said in an interview with a special issue of the journal The Business Year, dedicated to Azerbaijan that Baku is considering participation in the Non-Aligned Movement and the relationship with NATO taken separately. The minister said that participation in the Non-Aligned Movement gives Azerbaijan an opportunity to cooperate with member countries of the organisation in various fields and promote the constructive role of NAM in international relations in order to achieve a more just, equitable and respectful law of world order. "As to our cooperation with NATO, it should be noted that the integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures remains a strategic goal for Azerbaijan" Mammadyarov said. Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to join the NATO programme Partnership for Peace in May 1994 and to the Action Plan Individual Partnership (IPAP) after 10 years. "IPAP was an effective mechanism to facilitate a real political dialogue and intensive practical reforms," Mammadyarov said. However, unlike a number of post-Soviet countries which connect their future with the West's foreign policy, Azerbaijan has always tried to balance its interests between NATO, Russia, Turkey and Iran. Baku has repeatedly proved its reliability as a partner of the West in the fight against terrorism and as a strategic ally required to ensure the security of the supply of Caspian energy resources. In addition, Azerbaijan is the main player in the Caspian region in the energy market due to large natural gas reserves and can help in ensuring Europe's energy security. Thus, the accession of Azerbaijan to the Non-Aligned Movement was the right decision indeed which secured the country's image of the state and conducting a balanced multi-vectored policy.