Azerbaijan, Ethiopia commit to expanding cooperation in tourism, education, and infrastructure PHOTO

The Azerbaijani governmental delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev, visited Ethiopia on January 15-16 for the 3rd round of inter-ministerial political consultations.

The visit sought to deepen bilateral cooperation across political, economic, humanitarian, and other fields, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Caliber.Az.

During the visit, Yalchin Rafiyev held discussions with Ethiopian officials, including Alem Tsehay Paulos, head of the Ethiopian Cabinet Office; Foreign Minister Gedion Timoteos; Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofa; Minister of Agriculture Girma Amente; and leaders from the Ethiopian Investment Commission and Investment Holding.

The meetings were built on discussions held during the reception of Ethiopian counterpart Taye Atske-Selassie by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the COP29 Leaders Summit in Baku. These earlier engagements defined a roadmap for advancing relations between the two nations.

Specific areas for collaboration, including trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, and education, were discussed. Agreements were reached to establish a legal framework and working groups to facilitate cooperation. The organization of mutual trade missions and business forums was highlighted as a priority.

Azerbaijan’s ASAN Xidmət model, a widely recognized public service initiative, was noted as a blueprint for Ethiopia’s citizen service centres. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress and emphasized ongoing efforts to replicate the successful system.

The inter-ministerial political consultations, led by Deputy Minister Yalchin Rafiyev and Ethiopian State Minister of Foreign Affairs Mesganu Arga, covered bilateral political and economic ties. Discussions also focused on cooperation within the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement, and other international organizations.

The Azerbaijani delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Agriculture, the State Agency for Citizens' Services and Social Innovations, AZPROMO, Azerbaijan Investment Holding, and SOCAR. The delegation also visited Ethiopia’s industrial parks and reviewed ongoing infrastructure projects.

The visit marked a significant step toward strengthening the partnership between Azerbaijan and Ethiopia, underpinned by a shared commitment to fostering collaboration across a wide range of sectors.

By Tamilla Hasanova