Caspian Energy (CE): Your Excellency, before we discuss the broader scope of Indonesian-Azerbaijani relations, could you kindly share with us your journey into diplomacy? What inspired you to pursue this path, and what experiences have prepared you for your current mission in Azerbaijan?
Berlian Helmy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of Azerbaijan: That is really a great and interesting question. First and foremost, I would like to share with you and all the audience that my journey into diplomacy has been shaped by a strong interest in international affairs, public service, and the belief that diplomacy is ultimately about building understanding between peoples and nations. That's very important. My journey began around 33 years ago. Throughout my professional career, I have had the opportunity to observe how international relations are not only about governments and formal agreements, but also about people-to-people connections, economic partnerships, cultural understanding, and mutual trust.
These experiences convinced me from the very beginning that an ambassador's role is to build bridges—political bridges, economic bridges, and human connections, especially humanity. That's very important.
Diplomacy also requires the ability to listen, you know—to listen, understand different perspectives, and identify common interests, especially between Indonesia and Azerbaijan. I consider these qualities particularly important in representing Indonesia in Azerbaijan as an ambassador.
Azerbaijan is a country that is truly close to my heart, occupying a strategically vital position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Caspian region. My current mission in Baku, therefore, represents both a professional responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to strengthening the relationship between our two countries, which hold considerable potential for deeper cooperation.
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