Azerbaijan, BSTDB review plans for July 1 meeting in Baku

Azerbaijan has discussed preparations for the annual meeting of the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB), scheduled to take place in Baku on July 1, as part of a meeting between First Deputy Minister of Finance Anar Karimov and a BSTDB delegation led by President Serhat Köksal.

During the talks, the sides focused on the current state and prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the BSTDB, the bank’s activities in the country, priority financing areas, as well as infrastructure projects and sustainable development initiatives, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Azerbaijan chairs the bank’s Board of Governors for 2025–2026.

Karimov stressed that his country attaches great importance to a long-term and effective partnership with the BSTDB.

He said the bank plays an important role in expanding economic ties in the region, improving access to financial resources, and promoting private sector development.

The deputy minister expressed confidence that the BSTDB meeting in Baku would further strengthen financial and economic dialogue between member states, deepen regional cooperation, and enhance multilateral partnership.

In turn, Köksal praised the dynamics of cooperation with Azerbaijan and highlighted the country’s contribution to the bank’s activities.

He said the bank is interested in further expanding joint work to support the private sector, improve access for small and medium-sized enterprises to financial resources, implement infrastructure projects, diversify the economy, and promote green transformation.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov