Interviewed by editor -in-chief
Amid growing speculation suggesting that Azerbaijan is hosting an Israeli airbase allegedly used in operations against neighboring Iran, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Observer to the Arab League, H.E. Elkhan Polukhov, has categorically denied the accusations, describing them as baseless, illogical, and geopolitically implausible.
https://youtube.com/shorts/WBl8Ppp4ByM?si=xJTRqHwYBk6GfIR_
In an exclusive interview with the Editor-in-Chief of AldiploMasy (Arabic/English editions), Ambassador Polukhov firmly dismissed the narrative, stating:
“How could Israel possibly operate a military base on Azerbaijani soil when our neighbors are Turkey, Iran, Georgia, and Armenia? Geographically, politically, and strategically—it simply doesn’t add up.”
“Moreover, Azerbaijan and Iran share a mutual understanding: neither side will allow its territory to be used for hostile actions against the other.”
Ambassador Elkhan also expressed Baku’s enduring appreciation for Tehran’s support during Azerbaijan’s war to liberate its occupied territories:
“We have not forgotten Iran’s important support during our victorious campaign to reclaim Karabakh, Shusha, and other regions. Azerbaijan does not repay solidarity with betrayal.”
Regarding recent Israeli military actions against Iran, Ambassador Polukhov underscored Azerbaijan’s clear position of CONDEMNATION, which was officially conveyed through both the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM):
“We stand against all forms of aggression and foreign interference. Our foreign policy remains rooted in international law and Islamic solidarity.”
Shifting focus to nuclear non-proliferation, Ambassador Polukhov voiced concerns about international SILENCE regarding Israel’s nuclear capabilities, estimated by experts to include between 80 and 400 nuclear WARHEADS, while Iran’s PEACEFUL nuclear program continues to face intense global scrutiny:
“double standard” is increasingly dominating the international agenda. Azerbaijan has witnessed this firsthand, and such inconsistency undermines the credibility of international institutions.”
On global power dynamics, his excellency added:
“This double standard policy will persist UNLESS the Muslim world unites—as it once did under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). As a committed member of the Ummah, Azerbaijan supports a unified Islamic bloc—economically, diplomatically, and strategically—similar to the European model of integration.”
Turning to Egypt-Azerbaijan relations, Ambassador Polukhov praised the recent diplomatic momentum following the reciprocal presidential visits between President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and President Ilham Aliyev. However, he acknowledged the gap between political will and tangible results:
“Progress in trade, infrastructure, and joint ventures remains below expectations—mainly due to BUREAUCRATIC obstacles and slow execution.”
Amb. Polukhov emphasized the need to accelerate cooperation in key sectors such as energy, logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure, noting that several bilateral agreements and frameworks are already in place. He also called for enhanced coordination between Egyptian and Azerbaijani chambers of commerce to empower the private sector.
On Azerbaijan’s wider relations in the Arab region, the Ambassador stated:
“We enjoy dynamic partnerships with Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others. These relationships are based on mutual benefit, strategic trust, and shared regional aspirations.”
Concluding the interview, Ambassador Polukhov delivered a strong and UNEQUIVOCAL message:
“Azerbaijan will never allow its territory to be used to harm any other country—especially our neighbors. We believe that peace and stability in the Middle East and Central Asia are not just regional priorities, but GLOBAL imperatives.”
