AIDA, TİKA sign new memorandum as Türkiye praises Azerbaijan’s aid agency PHOTO

The Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA) and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in international development and humanitarian assistance.

The memorandum was signed in Baku during the conference “Strengthening Global Solidarity through Humanitarian Assistance and Development Cooperation,” held to mark the 15th anniversary of AIDA’s establishment. The document was signed by Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev and TİKA President Abdullah Eren, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Speaking at the conference, Eren said that over its 15 years of activity, AIDA has established itself as an important international development partner and earned a solid reputation among its counterparts.

According to Eren, AIDA is among the younger institutions in the community of development agencies, but its achievements have already earned it recognition from more experienced organisations.

“AIDA is one of the younger institutions in our development agency community, but its achievements have earned it well-deserved respect among the most experienced organizations. When AIDA was established in 2011, it did not reinvent Azerbaijani solidarity. It inherited a centuries-old tradition. This legacy dates back centuries-to the caravan routes of the Caspian, to philanthropists of the past who extended a helping hand far beyond their borders, and to compassion for strangers in distant lands. Today, AIDA has earned an undeniable reputation among international development partners,” Eren said.

The TİKA president added that Azerbaijan’s experience — from a country that endured the consequences of occupation, refugee and forced displacement challenges to becoming a reliable and respected donor — holds particular value for the developing world.

“This is precisely the experience the developing world needs,” he emphasised.

By Jeyhun Aghazada