Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Azerbaijan) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan

Azərbaycan Respublikasının Xarici İşlər Nazirliyi
Coat of arms of Azerbaijan
Agency overview
Formed	May 28, 1918
Jurisdiction	Government of Azerbaijan
Headquarters	4 Shikhali Gurbanov St., Baku, Azerbaijan 1009
Minister responsible	Jeyhun Bayramov
Deputy Ministers responsible	Mahmud Mammad-Guliyev Araz Azimov Fariz Rzayev Elnur Mammadov Yalchin Rafiyev
Website	www.mfa.gov.az

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan (Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan Respublikasının Xarici İşlər Nazirliyi) is a very important part of the Azerbaijani government. It is like the country's main team for talking to other countries. This ministry helps Azerbaijan make friends and work together with nations around the world. It decides how Azerbaijan will act on the global stage.

History of the Ministry

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan was first created in 1918. This was during the time of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which was the first independent Azerbaijani state. During this period, Azerbaijan became known by other countries. It started to build diplomatic relationships with several nations. Between 1918 and 1920, Azerbaijan had representatives in countries like Armenia, Georgia, and Turkey. It also had an office at the Paris Peace Conference.

Changes During the Soviet Era

In April 1920, Azerbaijan became part of the Soviet Union. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was then changed. It became the Azerbaijan SSR People's Foreign Affairs Commissariat (PFAC). Even though it was part of the Soviet Union, this office still handled some international relations. For example, Azerbaijan SSR had its own ambassador in Turkey.

Towards the end of World War II in 1944, the Soviet government brought back the Azerbaijani PFAC. In 1946, it was renamed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). However, it still did not have full power to make its own foreign policy decisions. These decisions were mostly made by the central Soviet government.

Restoring Independence

After Azerbaijan became fully independent again in 1991, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs changed a lot. It became a powerful government agency. Its main job was to create and carry out Azerbaijan's own foreign policy. This meant Azerbaijan could now make its own decisions about how to interact with other countries.

What the Ministry Does

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs works to protect Azerbaijan's interests around the world. Its main goals include:

• Carrying out Azerbaijan's foreign policy.
• Helping to keep international peace and safety through diplomacy.
• Protecting Azerbaijan's independence, safety, and borders.
• Looking after the rights and interests of Azerbaijanis and Azerbaijani businesses abroad.
• Setting up and keeping diplomatic ties with other countries and international groups.
• Managing official state visits and events for Azerbaijan.
• Helping to coordinate Azerbaijan's international relations in many areas. These include politics, economy, science, and culture.

How the Ministry is Organized

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a clear structure to help it do its work.

• The Minister is the head of the Ministry. Currently, this is Jeyhun Bayramov.
• There are also several Deputy Ministers who help the Minister. Each Deputy Minister is in charge of different areas. For example, some handle relations with specific regions. Others focus on international law or economic cooperation.
• The Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA) is part of the Ministry. It helps other countries with development projects.
• The Department of Consular Affairs helps Azerbaijani citizens who are living or traveling abroad.
• There is also a special department in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. This helps manage foreign policy related to that region.

Diplomacy Day

Azerbaijan celebrates a special day called Diplomacy Day. It is a professional holiday for all employees of the diplomatic service. Since 2017, this day has been celebrated every year on July 9. It honors the important work of diplomats.

Diplomatic Academy

The Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA) was started in 2006. Its goal was to train future leaders and diplomats for Azerbaijan. In 2014, it became a full university, now known as ADA University. It helps prepare young people for careers in international relations.

Azerbaijan's Presence Abroad

Azerbaijan has many offices in other countries to help with its foreign relations. These offices are called diplomatic missions. In 2018, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had:

• 71 diplomatic offices (like embassies)
• 5 representatives at international organizations
• 8 consulates (which help citizens with things like passports)
• 3 honorary consulates
• 2 embassy offices

The Ministry also works closely with many international and regional organizations. These include the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), NATO, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

List of Ministers

Azerbaijan Democratic Republic

Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic

Republic of Azerbaijan

See also

In Spanish: Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (Azerbaiyán) para niños

• List of Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan
• Azerbaijan–European Union relations
• Azerbaijan and GUAM relations
• Azerbaijan and the United Nations
• Azerbaijan–NATO relations
• Azerbaijan–OIC relations