Azerbaijani FM puts stronger bilateral ties in focus during New York talks PHOTO

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a series of meetings in New York focused on advancing bilateral relations, expanding cooperation across key sectors, and maintaining regular political dialogue with international partners. 

On the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Bayramov discussed energy cooperation, economic and people-to-people ties, Azerbaijan-EU relations, digital development, transport connectivity, and engagement through international organisations with his counterparts from Bulgaria, Colombia, Hungary, Switzerland, and Singapore, Caliber.Az reports via Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry.

During a meeting with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova, the sides reviewed the strategic partnership agenda, including political dialogue, energy cooperation, and prospects for expanding Azerbaijani gas supplies to Bulgaria. They also discussed renewable energy projects, transport and connectivity through the Middle Corridor, as well as Azerbaijan-EU cooperation and regional developments.

Bayramov also met with Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bulá Escobar to discuss the current state and prospects of bilateral relations, with particular attention to strengthening political dialogue and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation. 

The talks covered opportunities to develop economic ties and cooperation in tourism, education, and culture, while the ministers also exchanged views on cooperation through multilateral platforms, including the UN, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

“The meeting was followed by a signing of the ‘Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Colombia on mutual exemption of the visa requirement for holders of ordinary passports,’ further strengthening the legal and institutional framework between Azerbaijan and Colombia,” the ministry said.

In talks with Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Anita Orbán, Bayramov and his counterpart discussed the current state and prospects of Azerbaijani-Hungarian relations, stressing the importance of maintaining regular political dialogue. They also exchanged views on Azerbaijan-EU cooperation and regional and international developments.

Bayramov’s meeting with Swiss Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis focused on the current state and future prospects of Azerbaijani-Swiss relations.

The sides emphasised the importance of continuing regular political dialogue and further strengthening bilateral cooperation, while also discussing cooperation within the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and highlighting the value of stable ties and constructive international cooperation.

The Azerbaijani foreign minister also held talks with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on expanding bilateral cooperation and intensifying political dialogue. Particular attention was given to trade, investment, digital transformation and innovation, transport and logistics, education, and human capital development, while the sides also discussed encouraging mutual visits and contacts at various levels.

The visa-free regime for Singaporean citizens, introduced on August 1, 2026, was highlighted as a new opportunity to promote people-to-people contacts, visits, business ties, and tourism. The ministers also exchanged views on continued cooperation within the UN and other international organisations, including issues related to candidacies for elected bodies.

By Jeyhun Aghazada