The ambassadors of Belgium and the Netherlands to Azerbaijan, Julien de Fraipont and Marielle de Jong, were summoned separately to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Tuesday. The move comes in response to resolutions adopted by the parliaments of both countries on April 16, 2026, which Baku describes as "irresponsible attempts" to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as the ongoing peace process with Armenia.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the MFA emphasized that these documents are based on "completely false and groundless assessments," reflecting a deep-seated anti-Azerbaijan bias within those legislative bodies. Azerbaijani officials strictly rejected allegations regarding the rights of persons of Armenian origin and claims of illegal detentions, labeling them as gross violations of international law and an interference in the rule of law. The ministry further noted the paradoxical timing of these resolutions, which coincided with a recent meeting between the speakers of the Azerbaijani and Armenian parliaments, intended to foster dialogue.
Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and several European nations have faced periodic friction following the restoration of Azerbaijan's full sovereignty over its territories, including the Garabagh region. Baku has consistently called on international partners to support the normalization process with Armenia based on mutual recognition of territorial integrity and to refrain from statements that could jeopardize regional stability. During the meetings, the Belgian and Dutch sides were urged to take effective measures to prevent anti-Azerbaijan groups within their respective parliaments from damaging bilateral relations.
