Azerbaijan deepens partnerships with Turkmenistan, UAE, UN Agency at ECO summit PHOTO

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held key bilateral meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as ith UNESCAP reresentative on the sidelines of the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Khankandi on July 3. 

These high-level talks underscored Azerbaijan’s commitment to deepening strategic partnerships and enhancing cooperation across political, economic, energy, transport, and humanitarian sectors, Caliber.Az reports via the country’s Foreign Ministry.

During the meeting with Turkmenistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, both sides expressed satisfaction with the robust political and diplomatic relations between the two nations. They reaffirmed their commitment to expanding ties through regular high-level dialogues and effective implementation of existing agreements. 

Discussions focused on broadening cooperation in the energy sector and recognising the pivotal role of both countries as vital hubs within regional and international transport corridors. The ministers also explored ways to diversify economic relations, increase bilateral trade, and strengthen collaboration in culture, education, science, and social spheres. They emphasised the importance of their traditional friendly and fraternal ties as a foundation for future growth.

In a separate meeting, Minister Bayramov engaged with Lana Nusseibeh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE for Political Affairs, highlighting the close and friendly relations fostered by the heads of state of both countries.

The discussion covered the effective political consultation mechanism between the two foreign ministries and praised successful cooperation in economic, trade, investment, energy, and humanitarian fields. Particular attention was given to joint projects in alternative energy, with the UAE’s support for humanitarian mine clearance and reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories receiving high commendation. 

Minister Bayramov provided detailed updates on rehabilitation work, the return of internally displaced persons, and ongoing challenges related to mine threats. The meeting also addressed broader bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest, reflecting a shared vision for strengthened collaboration.

Furthermore, the Azerbaijani official and United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Deputy Secretary-General Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana discussed bilateral cooperation.

The UNESCAP Executive Secretary expressed gratitude for the invitation to the ECO Summit and for Azerbaijan’s initiative to host the 82nd session of UNESCAP in 2026.

They highlighted Azerbaijan’s growing role in the region and on international platforms, as well as the country’s contribution to the UN mission. The parties also discussed opportunities for joint projects in areas such as climate change and green energy, transport corridors, technology, and digitalisation.

These bilateral engagements at the ECO Summit reinforce Azerbaijan’s proactive diplomacy in the South Caucasus region and beyond, highlighting its strategic role in fostering regional stability, economic integration, and sustainable development.

These bilateral engagements at the ECO Summit reinforce Azerbaijan’s proactive diplomacy in the South Caucasus region and beyond, highlighting its strategic role in fostering regional stability, economic integration, and sustainable development.

By Sabina Mammadli