Ukraine's FM Sybiha offers condolences over Azerbaijani casualties in Black Sea

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has expressed his condolences following the deaths and injuries of Azerbaijani citizens during military operations in the Black Sea, AzerNEWS reports.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv alongside Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Sybiha offered his deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wished a swift recovery to the injured Azerbaijani nationals.

Addressing the questions of journalists during the briefing, Sybiha described Azerbaijan as a strong and influential regional power whose role in international affairs continues to grow.

"Azerbaijan is a strong state that has demonstrated its growing regional importance. Both Azerbaijan's participation and its voice in efforts to end the war are extremely important," the Ukrainian foreign minister said.

Sybiha also emphasized the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Azerbaijan, highlighting the longstanding presence of Azerbaijani businesses in Ukraine and expressing Kyiv's desire to deepen economic cooperation.

"Azerbaijani businesses have always been active in Ukraine, and we hope to see this cooperation expand even further. We have prepared a package of proposals for our Azerbaijani friends," he noted.

The Ukrainian foreign minister further stressed Ukraine's interest in diversifying its energy supplies, describing Azerbaijan as a country of strategic importance not only for Ukraine but for Europe's broader energy security.

"We are actively working in this direction, and I am confident that we will achieve significant results," Sybiha added.