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"Our main objective is to support Azeri IDPs"

Q. The embassy of Brazil has been operating in Azerbaijan for two years. What has been done to develop bilateral relations since its opening? Overall, how would you assess the results achieved in the two-year period?

A. In this period our goals have been to become closely familiar with Azerbaijan, promote Brazil’s recognition and lay groundwork for bilateral relations. As you can see, our embassy is located on a central street of Baku, which certainly speeds up our mutual recognition. Our flag has been used as a landmark in this part of the city. In order to give directions for a location in this area, they say it is located "before or after the Brazilian flag". I believe we have successfully fulfilled the first stage of our mission: the people know us, we issue entry visas to Brazil here, and our relations are developing.

Q. In your opinion, in which areas have we established closer relations?

A. Our embassy’s main objective and job is to support the displaced persons in Azerbaijan. Delivery of some necessary equipment from Brazil for family farms with the support of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization is on the agenda.

We have had IDPs in the past. Certainly, this was not caused by war, but some issues of history, particularly poverty and famine. A special socio-economic program was drafted and implemented during former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s tenure to improve the condition of about 40 million IDPs. Assistance to family farms was at the core of the program. Therefore, we are experienced in this area. Availing of the methods used there, assistance to local family farms and their strengthening is our key goal. We hope that, having concluded certain agreements with the Ministry of Agriculture, we will further develop our cooperation. This includes special technical assistance for family farms and growing of some special crops.

I would like to note that agriculture is one of the prospective fields for Brazilian-Azerbaijani cooperation. Officials of the two countries are currently in talks on signing a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in this area. The memorandum will cover such areas as animal health, biofuel and food safety.

Brazil also plans to sign an agreement on sports cooperation with Azerbaijan.

Q. How will the election of the first woman president in Brazil affect bilateral relations?

A. Yes, a woman president has been elected for the first time in Brazil’s history, and this could be another area of our cooperation. As we know, Azerbaijan places an emphasis on women’s rights as well. Prior to many countries in Europe and the world, women were granted suffrage for the first time in the Orient in the People’s Republic of Azerbaijan in 1918. This was a development of tremendous historic importance. Our president is also doing very important work to protect human rights, in particular, women’s rights. We will continue cooperating in the protection of women and children’s rights. I have met with Hijran Huseynova, chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children’s Issues. We hope to establish successful cooperation in this area between the two countries.

Q. Mr. Ambassador, how would you describe political relations between Brazil and Azerbaijan?

A. Much remains to be done in this respect. A number of agreements should be signed to expand bilateral cooperation. On the other hand, the Brazilian government has opened an embassy here. Unfortunately, an Azerbaijani embassy has not begun operating in Brazil yet. The lack of an Azerbaijani diplomatic mission there hampers the development of cooperation in a number of areas.

Q. How does Brazil see a settlement to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno Karabakh conflict?

A. We believe in the need for the [mediating OSCE] Minsk Group to continue its efforts. As a global actor, Brazil sees only a negotiated settlement of the conflict. Talks should definitely be continued. It is through negotiations that we have shaped up the Brazilian society. Therefore, I am confident that this is the right path.

Certainly, territorial integrity is an issue of utmost importance. It is the founding principle of relations that is internationally recognized and considered important. Territorial integrity is the key factor in the resolution of international conflicts, stand-off and other problems in the world.

Q. What is the trade turnover between Brazil and Azerbaijan?

A. Bilateral trade is unfortunately below the desired level. In 2010, our trade turnover increased 30 percent to $22 million. Azerbaijan mainly imports meat products from Brazil.

Q. Brazilian President Dilma Vana Rousseff stated during her tour of Europe, "Developed countries themselves are mostly to blame for the world economic crisis". What is the premise of this statement?

A. The world is rapidly changing. Brazil is a developing country like Azerbaijan. Until recently, developed countries, particularly, European nations, were blaming developing countries for all emerging challenges and problems. Currently, our economies are in a good shape and are growing. But European countries, themselves, are facing a crisis. Until now, they have been providing advice to us. But today, they are in need of us, of our advice and support.

Q. How about cultural relations between Brazil and Azerbaijan? What is being done to develop them?

A. Revealing and developing common facets of our cultures has been part of our efforts. For instance, we have recently published a magazine in Azerbaijani devoted to Brazil’s independence. The drawings in the magazine were painted by a local artist. Brazil’s history was presented in the publication in accordance with Azerbaijani customs of traditions. Our main goal was to bring to the forefront the common facets of our cultures. You celebrate the Novruz Holiday, and similarly, we attach special importance to fire. Though our countries are far from one another, our peoples and cultures are linked by a number of common values. We are thus trying to show that we all are actually the same. Even when walking on the street, many people liken me to an Azerbaijani.

Moreover, we arranged the arrival of two dance instructors from Brazil last year. They are teaching Brazilian national dances to the locals. Certainly, our main goal here is to further expand cooperation between the two countries.

I would like to point something out. We are delighted to see that Brazilian national dance Capoeira is popular in Azerbaijan. Capoeira was brought to Brazil by African slaves, some of whom were Muslims. Initially used for self-defense, Capoeira later became a dance. And to promote this dance in Azerbaijan, we intend to bring several instructors here.

During the ancient times, the people who came to Brazil from Islamic countries in Africa also contributed to our vocabulary. For example, the world "inshallah", which is also used in Azerbaijan, was brought to our language by those arriving from the Islamic countries like Senegal. Your word "inshallah" became "oshallah" and has the same meaning - "God willing". As you can see, we have a lot in common.

Q. Tourism is another key sector in bilateral relations. What can be done to boost cooperation in this field?

A.