SOCIETY 367 / 2015

DIPLOMATIE
ASERBAIDSCHAN
S
ince when do Azerbaijan
and Austria have diplomatic
relations?
Since February 1992. From
a historical perspective it is
probably a short period, but
the time – more than two decades – was
really dynamic and we have been expanding
our relationship. These relations are
now based on a very solid ground of respect
towards each other. We understand
the policies of our two countries and
share a number of common interests and
values.
Since Azerbaijan is a part of the Great
Silk Road, can you tell me something
about its meaning for Azerbaijan?
Thank you very much for your project,
which is extremely important for our countries.
The Silk Road is not only an infrastructure
connecting various networks of
roads, it is also a path connecting two parts
of our continents: Europe and Asia. It is a
framework from which nations exchanged
their cultural values and traditions. Reviving
this corridor shall bring countries the
ideas of tolerance, cultural exchange and
respect towards the traditions and values
of each other. There is also a commercial
and economic side of this road. For us, the
Silk Road is an extension of our policy. We
use this road to strengthen our capacities,
to improve our economic performance, to
connect the European and Asian countries,
to integrate our economies in both directions
and try to benefit from the extensive
network of the road for the prosperity of
our nations.
Imagine you are a statue: Where would
you look more – to Asia or Europe?
Based on Azerbaijan’s geographic location
we could say that we are European
Azerbaijan As
A Regional
Role Model
H.E. Ambassador Galib Israfilov talks with
SOCIETY about the Great Silk Road, the
relations to the European Union and the
situation in the Ukraine.
Interview: Gertrud Tauchhammer
Fotos: SOCIETY/Pobaschnig
46 | SOCIETY 1_2015