Azerbaijan, Afghanistan discuss boosting trade cooperation

Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ilham Mammadov, met with Afghanistan's Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nuruddin Azizi, to explore avenues for enhancing trade relations between the two nations.

The meeting, which took place in Kabul, focused on increasing bilateral trade turnover, organizing joint exhibitions, and strengthening the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

According to a statement from the Afghan Ministry of Industry and Commerce, both sides emphasized the importance of fostering closer economic ties.

"Acting Minister Nuruddin Azizi met with Ambassador Ilham Mammadov to discuss opportunities for boosting trade cooperation," the ministry noted.

The discussions led to several key agreements, including the exchange of export goods lists to identify mutually beneficial opportunities. Plans were also set in motion to hold an exhibition of Afghan products in Azerbaijan, aimed at showcasing Afghanistan’s offerings to Azerbaijani businesses and consumers. To ensure effective follow-up and coordination, a four-member team was designated to oversee communication and facilitate the agreed initiatives.

Additionally, the two parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, an important trade route connecting Afghanistan to Europe via Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye. Both sides expressed a shared interest in maintaining and increasing the corridor's activity as a vital link for regional trade.

By Khagan Isayev