Azerbaijan eyes breakthrough in relations with Vietnam Ambassador Hints at Diplomatic Milestone

Azerbaijan anticipates a significant breakthrough in its ties with Vietnam, including the possible opening of a Vietnamese embassy in Baku, according to Azerbaijani Ambassador to Vietnam Shovgi Mehdizade.

In an interview with a Vietnamese newspaper ahead of an official visit by General Secretary To Lam, the ambassador described the upcoming trip as historic, noting it would mark the first visit by a leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam to Azerbaijan since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Caliber.Az reports.  

“This is also General Secretary To Lam’s first visit to Azerbaijan since taking office,” Mehdizade said. “The visit will provide both countries with a clear agenda to further enhance bilateral ties. We expect Vietnamese-Azerbaijani relations to reach a new milestone through this high-level meeting in Baku.”

The ambassador expressed optimism that the visit would lead to deeper cooperation across a range of sectors, including tourism, education, information technology, transportation, manufacturing, agricultural initiatives, and environmental projects.

“Developing the younger generation through strengthened educational cooperation should be a key pillar of our bilateral efforts,” he added.

Cultural exchanges and tourism also featured prominently in the ambassador’s remarks. He expressed hope for the establishment of a direct flight route between the two countries, citing growing demand for travel.

“We also look forward to Vietnam opening an embassy in Baku in the near future,” Mehdizade stated.

Note that, Azerbaijan and Vietnam have cultivated a dynamic and multifaceted partnership since establishing diplomatic relations on September 23, 1992. This relationship is rooted in historical ties dating back to the mid-20th century, notably President Ho Chi Minh's 1959 visit to Azerbaijan and Heydar Aliyev's 1983 visit to Vietnam, which laid the groundwork for enduring cooperation in energy, education, and cultural exchange. 

High-level exchanges have reinforced this bond. President Ilham Aliyev visited Vietnam in 2014, followed by Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang's visit to Azerbaijan in 2015. These visits have been complemented by regular political consultations and the establishment of inter-parliamentary working groups. 

Economic collaboration has intensified, with bilateral trade reaching $594.6 million in 2022. Key sectors include energy, textiles, agriculture, and logistics. Azerbaijan's strategic position along the Middle Corridor offers Vietnam a viable route to European markets, while Vietnam's dynamic economy presents opportunities for Azerbaijani exports. 

Cultural and educational exchanges further enrich the relationship. Recent initiatives, such as the "Vietnam Day: the history of friendship" festival in Baku and the establishment of the Vietnam-Azerbaijan Friendship Association's Vietsovpetro branch, underscore mutual appreciation of each other's heritage.

By Aghakazim Guliyev