A visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan

The Comité Diplomatique visited the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Brussels. We had the opportunity to learn more about this country , including its culture, demographics, history and its role in the current international and regional order. Azerbaijani society reflects the richness of its multicultural history. The embassy's third secretary, Subhan Rahimli, and his colleague gave us a comprehensive presentation on this topic to help us understand it.

Geography, Demographics, and Religion

Located in the southern Caucasus, Azerbaijan occupies a strategic position between Western Asia and Eastern Europe. It shares borders with Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, and Iran. This geographical location makes it a historic crossroads between different civilizations and cultures.

The population of Azerbaijan is predominantly Azeri, with several ethnic minorities present, including the Lezgins, Talysh, Russians and Avars, as well as smaller groups such as Tatars, Georgians and Caucasian Jews. These communities are often concentrated in certain regions and continue to preserve their languages and cultural traditions. The Azerbaijani Constitution recognises the right of each group to maintain its ethnic identity and permits education in minority languages. In everyday life, these communities are generally integrated into society while retaining their cultural and linguistic characteristics.

Azerbaijan is predominantly Muslim. The population is mainly Shiite, with a significant Sunni minority. The country, however, defines itself as a secular state, and small Christian and Jewish communities also call it home, reflecting the cultural and religious diversity of the Caucasus region.

Historical Background 

The territory's history dates back several millennia. Petroglyphs discovered in Gobustan National Park attest to human presence as early as the tenth millennium BCE, while Azikh Cave is one of the region's most significant prehistoric sites, with evidence of habitation dating back approximately 300,000 years. Over the centuries, the territory has formed part of various political entities, including Caucasian Albania between the 3rd century BC and the 8th century AD. It then came under the rule of different empires, including the Arab, Seljuk, Mongol and Safavid empires.

The region came under the control of the Russian Empire in the 19th century. The People's Republic of Azerbaijan was the first secular republic in the Turkic and Muslim world. It existed from 1918 to 1920. Fatali Khan Khoyski became its first prime minister. Then In 1920, it  joined the Soviet Union . Azerbaijan finally regained independence on 18 October 1991 following the dissolution of the USSR.

The representatives also shared their perspectives on the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, a longstanding source of regional tension dating back to the Soviet era.

Energy, trade, and geopolitical issues

Azerbaijan is a unitary semi-presidential republic. The constitution, adopted on 12 November 1995, completed the structural formation of the political system.

The country's economy relies heavily on its energy resources. Significant oil and gas reserves are one of the main drivers of economic growth and account for around two-thirds of gross domestic product. In 2024, the country's nominal GDP stood at around $75 billion. Energy exports play a central role in the country's international trade relations.

Relations with the European Union are an important part of Azerbaijan's foreign policy. Since 2009, the country has participated in the Eastern Partnership program, which aims to strengthen cooperation between the EU and several of its neighboring countries. The European Union is now Azerbaijan's main trading partner and a major player in its economic exchanges.

At the end, we also had the opportunity to ask several questions about how Azerbaijan perceives international current events, as well as its religious diversity, the remnants of the USSR, and its relationship with neighboring countries.

The Comité Diplomatique would like to thank the Embassy of Azerbaijan for its warm welcome and the friendliness of its staff. We also had the opportunity to engage in lengthy discussions over a buffet offering a wide variety of local culinary specialties.