Azerbaijani FM highlights untapped potential in bilateral cooperation with Slovenia

Azerbaijan and Slovenia are poised to strengthen their trade and economic partnership, with both countries highlighting untapped potential in bilateral cooperation.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov made the remarks during a joint press conference with Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon in Baku on April 17, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“There is a positive trend, but the full potential of trade and economic relations between Azerbaijan and Slovenia has yet to be untapped,” said Bayramov, emphasizing the need for deeper economic engagement.

According to him, in 2024, the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $30 million. “This figure does not meet our expectations. We will work to improve this. There is a positive development, for instance, last year Geoplin and SOCAR signed an agreement on gas supplies,” he noted.

Bayramov also mentioned that the sides discussed involving Slovenian companies in activities in Karabakh and East Zangezur. “We provided them with information on the reconstruction efforts, and there are opportunities there for Slovenian companies,” he added.

In 2026, Azerbaijan and Slovenia will mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations and intend to enhance bilateral dialogue by that time, Bayramov said during the joint press conference following talks in Baku.

He noted that the talks, held in both narrow and extended formats, were extremely productive. The sides discussed expanding cooperation in many areas and addressed key regional and global issues, including the situation in the South Caucasus and the Balkans.

“Next year, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. We aim to deepen our cooperation and dialogue by that milestone. We also discussed holding political consultations and high-level visits. We frequently engage on international platforms and events to strengthen bilateral ties,” the minister said.

By Khagan Isayev