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Spokesperson for Azerbaijan`s Foreign Ministry Hikmat Hajiyev stated that a list of the diplomatic missions to be allegedly closed, which was spread by the Internet media and some blogs, is beyond objectivity and unfounded.

"The spread of such unverified information may spoil the diplomatic relations with other countries that Azerbaijan has been building for years,” he said.

Earlier, Hajiyev said the government considers closure of embassies in several countries against the background of the trends observed on the global energy market. Currently there are nearly 70 Azerbaijani diplomatic missions abroad.

He said the final decision on the issue had not yet been made. "Making decisions on this kind of issues requires serious and thorough consideration, including the mutuality in diplomatic relations and political approaches. This issue is now being seriously considered by the government."

Hajiyev said the matter is not directly about the closure of embassies. What is being considered is how to adjust the activities of the diplomatic missions in accordance with the reality and make some cuts in the number of personnel with the aim of cutting down on expenses and rationalizing the work.

“As far as the honorary consulates are concerned, it is ridiculous. Everybody, who is aware of foreign policy and diplomacy, knows that honorary consulates pay their expenses themselves, and no government funding is allocated for their maintenance," Hajiyev added.

Earlier, MP Samad Seyidov urged the diplomats and the diplomatic corps of Azerbaijan in foreign countries to shift to economy regime.

While discussing amendments to the law "On diplomatic service" at the parliament on December 29, Seyidov noted that the diplomats like others should be more economical due to the current crisis.

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