CC BY
4s
HISTORICAL SCIENCES / «©OLLQOUIIUM-JSUTMaiL » #22(1811), 2023
DC 330.341
Shahla Mammadli
PhD, senior researcher of the Institute of History named after A.A. Bakikhanov, ANAS https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8822-3513 Baku, Azerbaijan DOI: 10.24412/2520-6990-2023-22181-8-10
POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, AND CULTURAL RELATIONS BETWEEN AZERBAIJAN AND
POLAND (1991-2021)
Abstract.
Poland and the Republic of Azerbaijan have been building closer relations since the turn of the 21st century, with a focus on mutual official visits, inter-parliamentary and interdepartmental consultations, and promising areas of cooperation such as logistics, chemical industry, shipbuilding, construction, and agricultural machinery. While trade and economic relations have mainly centered around petroleum products, there is also potentialfor growth in the food industry and agriculture.
Azerbaijan and Poland have a successful relationship in science, education, and culture. Azerbaijan has a "Center of Polish Language and Culture", where two universities teach the Slavic language. Azerbaijan established a fund of Azerbaijani literature in Poland's libraries. Monuments and memorial plaques have been erected in Poland to honor Poles and Azerbaijanis who played a role in public political life.
Keywords: Caucasus Countries, International Organizations, International Relations, Polish -Azerbaijani Relations, Political and Economic Relations.
The collapse of the socialist system led to significant changes in the international arena, including on the political map of Europe. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe also took an active part in shaping the new geopolitical situation. Relations between several independent republics that emerged after the collapse of the USSR, and the countries of Eastern Europe that emerged from the socialist camp began to acquire vital importance. Political, economic, and cultural ties and constructive dialogues between countries can contribute to the further improvement of the world economy and ensure its stable development. In this regard, the study of comprehensive relations between countries will always be relevant.
In order to integrate Azerbaijan's national economy into the international space as it transitions to a market economy, it is necessary to establish both bilateral and multilateral foreign economic relations. As such, warm political relations may be required to secure the support of partner countries and adapt to the international situation. Azerbaijan values its bilateral relations with Poland, a country that has successfully implemented the transition to a market economy, and both countries strive to strengthen their cooperation.
1. Political relations
The collapse of the Soviet Union led Poland to take an interest in developing political, economic, and cultural ties with the newly independent Caucasian countries. Relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan were particularly interesting for Poland among the countries of the Caucasus. The Republic of Azerbaijan established diplomatic relations with many countries in Europe and Asia after gaining independence. Poland recognized Azerbaijan's independence on December 27th, 1991, and diplomatic relations were established between the two countries on February 21st, 1992. During the OSCE summit in Lisbon in December 1996, Po-
land actively defended Azerbaijan during the discussion of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and voted for the OSCE statement along with 52 other countries. President Heydar Aliyev of Azerbaijan paid an official visit to Poland from August 26th to 28th, 1997, at the invitation of President Alexander Kwasniewski of Poland. During the official meeting, the presidents discussed the global situation and the development of bilateral relations [11; 10, p. 426]. As a result, they signed several agreements related to mutual investment, civil air transport, tourism, culture, and scientific cooperation. During the official visit, Heydar Aliyev met with the head of the Polish Sejm, Joseph Zich, informing the head of the Sejm in detail about the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. The Azerbaijani President stressed Armenia's aggressive policy, violation of international law, and highly appreciated Poland's position within the framework of the NATO Partnership for Peace program. The President of Azerbaijan spoke at the Chamber of Commerce and also held talks with business representatives of the country [2].
Poland, a NATO member since March 12, 1999, viewed Azerbaijan and other Caucasian countries as promising partners. In October 1999, Polish President Alexander Kwasniewski visited Azerbaijan to discuss international issues, cooperation, and Armenia's occupation policy. During the meeting, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Polish Oil and Gas Company, and a joint statement was issued. Additionally, the Polish President visited Milli Majlis and Baku State University. After Ilham Aliyev was elected in October 2003, relations between Poland and Azerbaijan improved. On March 30, 2005, Aliyev made his first official visit to Poland, during which 7 documents were signed, including an agreement on military cooperation. The Governments of Azerbaijan and Poland signed agreements on
«@®ii®@yjum-j®urnal» #22<mn 2023 / historical sciences
9
defense, customs, and economic cooperation, which will strengthen relations. [10, p. 429].
During the GUAM summit in Kiev on May 22-23, 2006, Polish President Lech Kaczynski urged for the expansion of GUAM as a regional organization and closer ties with the countries involved, including Azerbaijan. The positions of Poland and Azerbaijan coincide with GUAM's potential for conflict resolution, counter-terrorism efforts, and energy and transport projects. [6]. During the official visit of L. Kaczynski to Azerbaijan on March 30, 2007, emphasis was placed on the successful development of Azerbaijani-Polish relations in the political, economic, and humanitarian spheres. Azerbaijan and Poland's presidents signed an agreement. Lech Kaczynski visited Azerbaijan for the GUAM summit in June. The Presidents held discussions on Polish-Azerbaijani relations. On February 28, 2008, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev paid another visit to Poland. During the visit, a joint statement was signed between the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Poland. Along with cooperation in international issues, the statement reflects the current state of bilateral relations, development directions that meet the common interests of Azerbaijan and Poland, as well as support for the peaceful settlement of conflicts, territorial integrity, and inviolability of borders based on the sovereignty of states by the UN Charter. The meeting between Ilham Aliyev and Lech Kaczynski at the GUAM summit in Batumi on July 1, 2008, highlighted the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Poland.[7].
On July 2, 2009, Lech Kaczynski visited Azerbaijan for an official meeting. The leaders discussed bilateral relations in political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian areas and signed the Advisory Committee's charter. In addition, it was important to prepare and sign a protocol on goals between the oil company of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Polish joint stock company "Grupa Lotos". The Security Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Polish National Security Minister also scheduled cooperation for 2009-2010. The republics held regular meetings at the level of parliamentary chairmen, prime ministers, and foreign ministers.
During official visits to Poland in 2016 and 2017, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Polish Presidents discussed cooperation with NATO and the EU and s igned a joint declaration on expanding s trategic and economic cooperation.
2. Economic Relations
Azerbaijan and Poland have warm political relations, however, their economic ties are unsatisfactory. At intergovernmental meetings on economic cooperation and business forums, the lack of high-level economic relations was a concern. In 2008, the trade turnover between the two countries reached US$166.9 million, and Azerbaijan attained a positive balance in trade and economic relations with Poland for the first time. During this period, Azerbaijan mainly exported oil and petroleum products.
Although Azerbaijan and Poland primarily focus on the trade of petroleum products, they also discussed logistics, chemical industry, agriculture, and
non-oil sector cooperation. The two countries have traditionally participated in energy summits and worked on implementing the Eurasian oil transportation corridor "Sarmatia".[9, p.169]. However, Russia posed significant obstacles to an alternative route for transporting Caspian oil through the Odessa-Brody pipeline to Ukraine, Poland, and other European countries. The project would weaken Russia's position as an oil supplier, particularly for inland refineries.
The "joint declaration on the roadmap of strategic partnership and economic cooperation" signed on June 27, 2017, confirmed the potential for increased ties between Poland and Azerbaijan. In 2018, trade between the two countries amounted to $94.6 million with Polish exports to Azerbaijan rising by 12.2% and imports from Azerbaijan to Poland increasing by 6.9%.[4, p.411]. The main exports of Poland are electromechanical products (such as combines, food processing equipment, refrigeration equipment, and medical equipment), food products (including cheese and frozen potato products), and chemical products (such as toothpaste and medicines). Azerbaijan has experienced relative growth in exports of food products (especially nuts and juices) and mineral products. There are opportunities for economic and trade relations in various industries, including transport, logistics, construction, chemical, shipbuilding, and agricultural technology. Additionally, the Alat Free Economic Zone in the Baku port offers even greater cooperation possibilities.
During his official visit to Azerbaijan in May
2019, Polish President Andrzej Duda discussed economic cooperation. In May 2021, after the Second Karabakh War, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland stated that Polish companies are prepared to assist in restoring the Azerbaijani lands that were liberated.
Between January and July 2020, Azerbaijan and Poland conducted foreign trade operations totaling $55.1 million, a 3.7% increase from the same period last year. Poland's share of Azerbaijan's total imports grew from 0.6% to 0.89%. In January-July
2020, the ratio of exports and imports of foreign trade relations between the two countries changed in favor of imports of Azerbaijani products. So, if during this period of 2019, the ratio of exports and imports was 4.3 and 95.7%, then in January-July 2020 it was 4.9 and 95.1%, respectively. Azerbaijan's foreign trade turnover decreased by 1.4 times to $15.03 billion in Jan-Jul 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The annual report revealed a positive balance of -$3.2 billion [4, p.412-413].
In 2020, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Polish-Azerbaijani trade turnover made significant progress. According to statistics, the value of products exported from Poland to Azerbaijan increased by 36% to exceed $113 million, while Azerbaijan's exports to Poland increased by 23% to reach $6.5 million. At the beginning of 2021, there has been an increase in bilateral trade. In early January, Polish exports to Azerbaijan increased by 21%, and Azerbaijani exports to Poland increased by 86%.% [5, p. 148].
10
HISTORICAL SCIENCES / «ШИШШШМ-ЛШШМаИ» #22(181), 2023
The field of innovation and new technology is a rapidly developing area. Poland is recognized as the best country in the EU for young high-tech companies interested in developing their business, with programs related to innovation and startup protection. Venture capital and private equity funds are actively seeking attractive facilities for investment and innovative projects worldwide. Azerbaijani startups and innovative entrepreneurs can take advantage of these opportunities [5, p. 149]
In recent years, Polish exports to Azerbaijan have been dominated by electromechanical products (agricultural machinery, liquid purification plants, refrigerators), agro-food (cheese and baby food), and pharmaceuticals (medicines and cosmetics). The importance of medical products during the pandemic is notable [8].
3. Cultural and humanitarian cooperation
Poland and Azerbaijan have strong political and economic ties, with collaboration in science, education, and culture. The "Center of Polish Language and Culture" was established at Baku Slavic University in 2006 with support from the Polish Embassy in Azerbaijan and the Polish Senate. Baku Slavic University and Azerbaijan University of Languages offer Polish language courses. The Azerbaijani Embassy in Poland and the Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan collaborated to create a textbook on Azerbaijani language for Warsaw University, to enhance cooperation in science and education [3, p. 314]. A fund for Azerbaijani literature has been established in the libraries of central and main universities of 16 regions of Poland.
An international conference was held in Baku on the theme of "Intercultural Dialogue: Key to Peace and Stable Development in Europe and Neighboring Regions." The conference was significant for analyzing and developing interregional relations.
On November 8, 2012, the Polish Embassy in Baku and the Historical and Architectural Department of Icheri Sheher presented a new roadmap titled "Polish settlements in Azerbaijan" to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Polish-Azerbaijani diplomatic relations [3 p. 303]. In 2013, a monument called "Friendship" was opened in Gniezno to celebrate the 90th anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev and the 540th anniversary of the establishment, as well as the 20th anniversary of the restoration, of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Poland.
Various memorial plaques and monuments have been installed in Poland to honor Poles who played important roles in Azerbaijan's socio-political life, as well as Azerbaijanis who made significant contributions to Poland's socio-political sphere. One such monument, dedicated to those who fought for the independence of both Azerbaijan and Poland, was erected in Jozef Po-linsky Park in Warsaw in 2017. It honors General Maciej Sulkiewicz, who was of Polish origin and served as the chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijani National Army from 1918 to 1920, and Valibey Yadigar, an Azerbaijani soldier who was a colonel in
the army of the Polish Republic and the National Army [1].
The Polish market is becoming more attractive to companies seeking stable development, thanks to Poland's recent economic stability and international success. This country stands out in Central Europe for its logical business decisions, competent financial management, and reputation as a reliable partner in international business. Its exceptional investment opportunities attract investors from Western Europe, the USA, and Asia.
Azerbaijan and Poland both transitioned to market economies after the collapse of the socialist camp. Despite having fewer energy resources, Poland successfully promoted the development of small and medium-sized businesses. We can consider Poland's economic path as a positive example for Azerbaijan. Polish-Azerbaijani relations are increasingly demonstrating serious potential. Politically, the establishment of strong, mutually beneficial relations between Poland and Azerbaijan is evidenced by the recent rapprochement between the two nations.
References:
1. Cümhuriyyatin 100 illiyi Var^avada qeyd edilib. "Madaniyyat" qazeti, 14 sentyabr, 2018
2. "Heydar Aliyev Heritage" International online library.
htps://lib.aliyevheritage.org/az/81417361.html-(Accessed January 22, 2023)
3. Krystyna G, Izabela B. Stosunki Polski z Armeniq, Azerbejdzanem i Gruzjq na przelomie XX i XXI wieku. Torun, 2015.
4. Mammadli Sh. Polish-Azerbaijani Economic Cooperation (2018-2021). Progressive research in the modern world. Boston, USA, Boston, oktober 5-7, 2022, pp. 409-414
5. Mammadli §. Müasir marhalada Azarbaycan Respublikasi ila Pol^a Respublikasi arasinda iqtisadi alaqalar. Azarbaycan tarixjünaligi, AMEA A.A.Bakixanov adina Tarix institutu. №2 (83), 2022, s.141-151
6. Pol^a har zaman Azarbaycanin arazi bütóvlüyünü dastaklayib. "Yeni Azarbaycan" qazeti. 05 dekabr, 2009
7. Tarixi ananalara sóykanan dostluq münasibatlari. "Respublika" qazeti. 21 fevral, 2023
8. Польские компании заинтересованы в инвестировании в ненефтяную сферу экономики Азербайджана- МИД. https://www.trend.az/business/economy/3417785.html
- (Accessed February 22, 2023)
9. Алиев Н. Нефть и нефтяной фактор в экономике Азербайджана в XXI веке. Баку, 2010
10. Гасанов Г. Современные международные отношения и внешняя политика Азербайджана. §arq-Qarb, Баку, 2007
11. Шукюров И. Дипломатия мира. (Об итогах визитов Президента Азербайджанской Республики Гейдара Алиева в зарубежные страны. 1993-1997). Баку, 1997.
