Hikmet Hajiyev: Azerbaijan considers itself a part of Global South

“The Global South plays an important role in the international arena. Azerbaijan considers itself a part of the Global South. We are a part of the Global South geographically, historically, culturally, and also in terms of destiny,” said Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, as he addressed the First General Assembly of the Global South NGO Platform held as part of the Baku Urban Week.

Hikmet Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijan fully and comprehensively understands all the challenges faced by the Global South countries, since Azerbaijan has itself experienced all of these challenges and issues during the years of independence and throughout its history.

“I would particularly like to emphasize the elements of colonialism and neocolonialism, which the Global South countries have suffered throughout their history. It is a stain on humanity, and we regretfully note that this practice still continues globally, taking on new forms and manifestations. During Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement in 2019–2022, the fight against neocolonialism was one of the key priorities,” the Presidential Assistant emphasized.