Full Breakdown
Azerbaijan’s Peace Narrative and Heritage Claims at the Arab Media Summit
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
During the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, Azerbaijan’s Assistant to the President and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department, Hikmet Hajiyev, used a high-profile panel to present Baku’s view of the post-war peace process with Armenia. He asserted that Azerbaijan is “winning in peace” while emphasizing the preservation of Christian heritage on its territory, criticizing the European Parliament’s stance, and highlighting the country’s role in EU energy security. The statements were delivered alongside remarks from officials of the United Arab Emirates, Georgia and other regional participants.
Background & Context
The peace process referenced by Hajiyev stems from a joint declaration signed with the United States in August 2025, which ended active hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan frames the agreement as a breakthrough achieved with the personal involvement of former U.S. President Donald Trump, a claim reiterated by Hajiyev in a separate interview. The summit provided a platform for Baku to reinforce its narrative of stability, cultural coexistence, and strategic partnership with Europe and the United States.
Key Figures & Groups
- Hikmet Hajiyev — Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, primary spokesperson for Azerbaijan’s peace and heritage narrative.
- Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri — UAE Economy and Tourism Minister, emphasized resilience and constant communication during crises.
- Maka Botchorishvili — Georgia’s Foreign Minister, highlighted disinformation challenges.
- Peace Bridge Initiative — Armenian civil-society group that issued a statement condemning recent Azerbaijani rhetoric.
Official Statements & Responses
Hajiyev described Azerbaijan’s post-war stance as “now we won the war, but we are also winning in peace which is an uphill struggle.” He warned that “revanchist forces” in Armenia and the diaspora aim to undermine the peace process, and he framed the preservation of mosques, churches and synagogues as evidence of a multi-religious heritage.
Al Marri said that “resilience cannot be bought” and that communication during crises should be “constant,” not louder. Botchorishvili echoed concerns about sustained disinformation campaigns targeting Georgia.
Criticism & Opposition
Armenian representatives accuse Baku of demolishing churches in the contested Karabakh region and dispute the characterization of sites such as the Gandzasar Monastery as part of Azerbaijan’s heritage. The summit did not provide independent verification of either claim, leaving the factual status of heritage preservation unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now we won the war, but we are also winning in peace which is an uphill struggle,” — Hikmet Hajiyev, Azerbaijani presidential adviser
What’s Next
The Arab Media Summit is scheduled to conclude later this week at the Dubai World Trade Centre, after which participating ministers are expected to return to their respective countries with reinforced messaging on resilience, media strategy, and regional cooperation.
