Azerbaijan-Africa relations gain momentum in recent years
Baku, September 16, AZERTAC
On September 16, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with a delegation led by Fateh Boutbig, President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), who is visiting Azerbaijan.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov highlighted the dynamic development of relations between Azerbaijan and African countries in recent years. The sides emphasized the importance of reciprocal visits, political consultations and interparliamentary cooperation in further expanding bilateral and multilateral ties. It was underlined that Azerbaijan places particular emphasis on developing relations with the African continent.
The meeting also addressed measures to intensify reciprocal visits with African countries and identify new areas and opportunities for cooperation across various fields.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov particularly highlighted the Milli Majlis’s efforts to advance parliamentary diplomacy, strengthen ties with African parliaments and broaden cooperation with the Pan-African Parliament. The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two institutions was described as an important step in this regard.
The sides also discussed Azerbaijan’s chairmanship and activities within international and regional platforms. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said that Azerbaijan had made significant contributions to the institutional development of the Non-Aligned Movement during its chairmanship. In this regard, the importance of establishing the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network and Youth Organization on Azerbaijan’s initiative, as well as enhancing solidarity and mutual support within the Movement, was emphasized.
The meeting also covered Azerbaijan’s initiatives to strengthen international solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was noted that Azerbaijan provided financial and humanitarian assistance to more than 80 countries, most of them members of the Non-Aligned Movement, and allocated funds to support post-pandemic recovery efforts in Africa and Small Island Developing States. The adoption of a resolution on the equitable distribution of vaccines was also highlighted.
The meeting highlighted the work carried out under Azerbaijan’s COP29 Presidency to expand developing countries’ access to climate finance, including African countries, as well as the significance of the decisions adopted in Baku.
The PAP President was also informed about Azerbaijan’s role in the region, measures undertaken to promote peace and security in the South Caucasus, and the new realities that have emerged in the region following the former Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.
Furthermore, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov highlighted the extensive reconstruction and restoration work undertaken following the liberation of Azerbaijan’s territories from occupation. It was noted that Azerbaijan’s cooperation with African countries extends beyond political and diplomatic relations, with significant potential for collaboration in energy, transport, agriculture, mining, education, humanitarian affairs and other areas. The importance of Azerbaijan’s support for education and healthcare programs in Africa, as well as initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, was emphasized.
President of the Pan-African Parliament Fateh Boutbig commended Azerbaijan’s commitment to developing relations with the African continent and its initiatives to further strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.
The sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.
Other news in this section
