Azerbaijan, Gambia hold first-ever political consultations in Banjul

The first session of political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Living Abroad of The Gambia was held in Banjul on April 7. 

Ahead of the consultations, a delegation led by Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev held a courtesy meeting with Alieu Loum, Head of the Gambian Presidential Office. During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the friendly relations between the two countries, built on mutual respect and solidarity, Caliber.Az reports per a statement by Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry. 

The parties underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest and identifying new opportunities for collaboration.

The political consultations were later held between Rafiyev and Lang Yabou, First Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambian Diaspora, and Head of the Ministry’s Diplomatic Service.

During the discussions, the sides emphasised the need to make more effective use of existing opportunities to advance bilateral relations, particularly in economic and trade ties, as well as cooperation in education, tourism, energy and climate change.

The Gambian side welcomed Azerbaijan’s contributions to human capital development and its humanitarian projects in The Gambia, expressing interest in continuing such cooperation.

The two sides also highlighted their cooperation on multilateral platforms, particularly within the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and stressed the importance of further expanding engagement in these frameworks.

On the same day, the Azerbaijani delegation met with the Mayor of Banjul, Rohey Malick Lowe. The meeting addressed issues related to the World Urban Forum, which Azerbaijan will host, and discussed potential areas for cooperation in the humanitarian field.

By Sabina Mammadli