Azerbaijan sees Africa as “Space of Opportunity,” deputy FM says

Africa is not a distant continent for Azerbaijan, but rather a space of opportunity and cooperation, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiev has stated at an event marking Africa Day 2026, titled The Rising Continent, New Partnerships.

He said over the past year, Azerbaijan has seen increased momentum in its relations with the continent, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Rafiev noted that Azerbaijan plans to begin negotiations with the Central African Republic in the autumn of this year to establish diplomatic relations.

Speaking about the dynamics of relations, he recalled that since last year, Azerbaijan has held 12 political consultations with African countries.

“Five governmental missions involving interagency delegations of the republic were organised. Today, Azerbaijan has diplomatic relations with all African countries except one — the Central African Republic, with which we plan to begin relevant negotiations in September,” the deputy minister added.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov