Azerbaijan–Denmark relations
# Azerbaijan–Denmark relations

Azerbaijan–Denmark relations are the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Denmark. Azerbaijan's non resident embassy for Denmark is located in London, United Kingdom. Denmark has a consulate in Baku. Denmark recognized the Independence of Azerbaijan on 31 December 1991. On 2 April 1992 the diplomatic relations between the two countries were established. Bilateral relations between the two countries are described as "friendly" and "cooperative".

## History

Soviet Azerbaijan and Denmark maintained friendly relations, Soviet Azerbaijan had an envoy in Denmark. In 1996, the Danish Refugee Council opened an operation for the refugees. From 1997 to 2004, Denmark provided 14 million dollars to the Azerbaijani refugees. During the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy, some Azerbaijanis took to the streets and protested against the cartoons. In 2010, diplomatic discussions have continued to explore the potential for further enhancement of the relationship, discussing issues such as the further development of economic trade.

## Cooperation

In 2006 Denmark abstained from voting for draft resolution "Long-term Conflicts on the territories of GUAM member-states: its impact on international peace, security and development". Ambassador Gurbanov stated that Danish companies have shown an increased interest in conducting business activities in Azerbaijan’s economy and "there exist great opportunities for deepening economic ties".

In 2004, The Azerbaijani parliament voted for the ratification of an Azerbaijani-Danish memorandum on implementation of the Kyoto Protocol under which Denmark committed itself to financing a series of projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Azerbaijan.

Denmark also cooperates with Azerbaijan in bringing peace and political stability to the Caucasus, Denmark has contributed $4 million to programs to achieve this. The 'Azerbaijan-Denmark Friendship Group' was established in the Azerbaijan parliament and is chaired by Azer Amirslanov. The Danish brewery company Carlsberg, bought Baku-Castel brewery in 2008. In 2011, Vestas delivered a wind farm with a capacity of 48 megawatts to Azerbaijan.

Danish company Arla Foods's white cheese is very popular in Azerbaijan. In three months, Arla has sold 1,5 million packs of Tetra Pak cheese to Azerbaijan.

## High level visits

On 6 March 1995 through 12 March 1995, President of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, visited Denmark. During his visit, he met with Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and the Prime Minister of Denmark Poul Nyrup Rasmussen. Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Møller visited Azerbaijan to discuss the bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan Denmark with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. Azerbaijani politician Bahar Muradova visited Denmark on 24 May 2010.

## Culture

On 31 May 2010, an event marking Azerbaijans Republic Day was held in Copenhagen. On 20 January 2011, the Denmark-Azerbaijan-Turkish Unity Society organized an event of the Black January anniversary in Copenhagen.

On 26 February 2011, a ceremony commemorating the Khojaly Genocide took place in Denmark, bringing together representatives from the Turkish and Azerbaijani communities.

