AIIB chief calls Azerbaijan strategically important partner

Azerbaijan has demonstrated itself to be a reliable and strategically important partner of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) throughout its cooperation with the financial institution, contributing to the implementation of the bank’s key objectives, President Zou Jiayi said.

She made the remarks while commenting on the decision to hold the bank’s 12th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Baku.

The meeting will take place in Baku on July 14-15, 2027.

During the 11th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Doha, Qatar’s Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari formally handed over the chairmanship of the Board of Governors to Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov.

Zou highlighted Baku’s role as one of the founding members of the AIIB, noting that Azerbaijan plays an important part in strengthening interregional ties and developing sustainable infrastructure.

“We look forward to working closely with Azerbaijan as it prepares to host the 2027 Annual Meeting,” Zou Jiayi said.

Jabbarov, for his part, said it was a great honour for Azerbaijan to host the AIIB’s 12th Annual Meeting in 2027.

“We look forward to welcoming AIIB members and partners to Baku. As a country connecting regions and supporting economic cooperation, Azerbaijan is committed to sustainable growth, innovation and regional connectivity. The Annual Meeting will provide an important platform for exchanging views and strengthening cooperation on the future development of infrastructure,” the economy minister said.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is a multilateral financial institution that began operations in 2016. The bank currently has 111 members from countries around the world and has authorised capital of $100 billion.

By Tamilla Hasanova