On November 17, 2020, the president of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum H.E. Taha Ayhan was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov.

The official visit by a delegation led by the president of the Islamic Youth Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) comes at a time when Azerbaijan is taking back control of its occupied territories from the Armenian forces.

Noting that Karabakh is a source of joy, honor, and happiness, Taha Ayhan welcomed the signing of an agreement on the cessation of hostilities. Taha Ayhan noted that the recent tensions in the region and Azerbaijan’s just position based on international law were discussed at the latest meetings he held, adding that the work of inculcating the truth at the international level will continue.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted with satisfaction the fruitful cooperation of Azerbaijan with the ICYF and highlighted that the organization has signed major initiatives thus far.

During the meeting, information was also provided on the activities carried out by the Eurasian Regional Center of ICYF.

The sides also discussed other issues of mutual interest.

Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have been tense since the 1990s when the Armenian military occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, a territory recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions. Fresh clashes erupted on September 27 and the Armenian army continued its attacks on civilians and Azerbaijani forces, even violating humanitarian cease-fire agreements, for 44 days. At the frontline, Baku liberated several cities and nearly 300 of its settlements and villages from Armenian occupation during this time.

On November 10, Baku and Yerevan signed a Russia-brokered agreement to end fighting and work towards a comprehensive solution. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev hailed the agreement as a victory for his country and a defeat for Armenia, saying Baku’s military success enabled it to gain an upper hand to end the three-decade occupation of its territory.