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	Araz Azimov Khalaf Khalafov Mahmud Mammad-Guliyev Hafiz Pashayev Nadir Huseynov
Website	www.mfa.gov.az

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan (which in Azerbaijani is Azərbaycan Respublikasının Xarici İşlər Nazirliyi) is a very important part of the Azerbaijani government. It's like the country's main team for talking to other countries.

This ministry is in charge of planning and carrying out Azerbaijan's foreign policy. This means they decide how Azerbaijan will interact with other nations around the world.

The ministry first started in 1918. When Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet Union, it didn't have much power over its own foreign affairs. But after Azerbaijan became independent in 1991, the ministry got its full power back.

A Look Back: The Ministry's History

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 Azerbaijan. During this period, Azerbaijan became known by other countries. It also started diplomatic relationships with many nations.

From 1918 to 1920, Azerbaijan had representatives in countries like Armenia, Georgia, and Turkey. They even had an office at the Paris Peace Conference. This was a big meeting where countries discussed peace after World War I.

Changes During the Soviet Era

In April 1920, Azerbaijan became part of the Soviet Union. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was then closed down. It was replaced by something called the People's Foreign Affairs Commissariat (PFAC). Even though it had less power, this new group still managed some international talks. For example, Azerbaijan had its own ambassador in Turkey.

Later, the PFAC was also closed when Azerbaijan joined a larger Soviet group. But towards the end of World War II, in 1944, the Soviet government brought back the Azerbaijani PFAC. In 1946, it became the Ministry of Foreign Affairs again. However, it still didn't have full control over foreign policy within the Soviet Union.

Gaining Full Independence

After Azerbaijan became fully independent in 1991, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs changed a lot. It became a powerful part of the government. Now, it is fully responsible for planning and carrying out Azerbaijan's foreign policy. This means they handle all of Azerbaijan's international relationships.

What the Ministry Does

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs works according to Azerbaijan's laws and rules. Its main jobs are:

• Carrying out Azerbaijan's foreign policy.
• Helping to keep international peace and safety through diplomacy.
• Protecting Azerbaijan's independence, safety, and its land.
• Looking after the rights and interests of Azerbaijanis and Azerbaijani companies in other countries.
• Making sure Azerbaijan has diplomatic and consular relationships with other countries and international groups.
• Handling official state events and customs for Azerbaijan.
• Helping to coordinate Azerbaijan's international relationships in areas like politics, economy, science, and culture.

How the Ministry is Organized

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a clear structure to do its work. Here's a simple look at how it's set up:

• The Minister is the head of the ministry. Currently, this is Jeyhun Bayramov.
  • There are special advisors called Ambassadors at Large.
  • The Department of State Protocol handles official ceremonies.
  • The Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA) helps other countries.
  • The Department of Consular Affairs helps Azerbaijani citizens abroad.
• There are several Deputy Ministers who help the Minister. Each Deputy Minister is in charge of different areas. For example:
  • One Deputy Minister handles security and planning for foreign policy.
  • Another deals with relationships between two countries and legal matters.
  • A third focuses on economic and humanitarian issues.
  • Another manages the general operations of the ministry.

There's also a special department in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. This department helps manage Azerbaijan's foreign policy in that region.

Diplomacy Day

Did you know that Azerbaijan has a special day for its diplomats? It's called Diplomacy Day, or Day of the Diplomatic Service. Since 2017, this professional holiday is celebrated every year on July 9. It honors the people who work hard to represent Azerbaijan around the world.

Diplomatic Academy

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

Azerbaijan's Presence Around the World

Azerbaijan has been working to open more diplomatic offices in other countries. By 2018, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had many offices abroad:

• 71 diplomatic representations (like embassies)
• 5 representatives at international organizations
• 8 consulates (offices that help citizens)
• 3 honorary consulates
• 2 embassy representations

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). They also work with groups like UNESCO, the Council of Europe, and the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States.

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