Azerbaijani MP: Equality and sovereignty underpin Baku's foreign policy

Equality, non-interference in stateschr("39") internal affairs, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity form the foundation of Azerbaijanchr("39")s approach to the international relations system, Member of Parliament Mehriban Valiyeva told Olaylar.

According to her, the remarks made by President Ilham Aliyev at the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku on October 15 contained important political messages reflecting Azerbaijanchr("39")s position in the modern system of international relations, its independent foreign policy course and its approach to ensuring regional security.

Valiyeva said one of the main problems in the contemporary international system is the selective application of the norms and principles of international law.

"Applying the same legal criteria differently to different states weakens confidence in international institutions, complicates conflict resolution and creates conditions for an aggressor to evade responsibility. International law should not become a political instrument recalled only when it serves the interests of certain states; it must be applied with the same consistency to all countries," she said.

The MP added that strengthening trust, fulfilling mutual obligations, delimiting and demarcating borders, opening transport communications, and preserving the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity require sustained political will.

"President Ilham Aliyevchr("39")s emphasis on the fragility of peace demonstrates the importance of continuing this process on the basis of a consistent and responsible approach," she said.