Azerbaijani, Iraqi FMs discuss deepening economic ties, new realities in South Caucasus PHOTOS from Baghdad meeting

On May 7, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein to discuss the expansion of economic cooperation, as well as the recent developments in the Middle East, South Asia, and the South Caucasus.

During the meeting held as part of Bayramov's official visit to Iraq, the sides first held a one-on-one meeting, which was followed by extended talks involving delegations from both countries, Caliber.Az reports, citing Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry.

Bayramov and Hussein held in-depth discussions on regional and international security issues, including the current situation in the Middle East, tensions between India and Pakistan, and the new realities in the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period.

The ministers discussed current issues of bilateral and regional cooperation, with a particular focus on prospects for strengthening ties in areas such as economy, trade, energy, transport, communications, science, culture, education, and tourism.

They emphasised the importance of the mechanism of political consultations, high-level contacts, and official visits in further deepening the partnership between Azerbaijan and Iraq.

Minister Bayramov highlighted the significance of the Azerbaijani-Iraqi Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation, as well as the Azerbaijani-Iraqi Business Council.

He stressed the need to further develop bilateral economic relations, particularly in the fields of energy and mutual investment.

The meeting also addressed cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iraq within regional and international organisations, including the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Both sides underscored the importance of continuing mutual support within multilateral platforms.

The two sides also discussed the development of ties in the humanitarian and educational spheres, highlighting the importance of initiatives such as scholarship programs for students from OIC and NAM member states, including the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant.

They noted that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ADA University and Iraq’s Foreign Service Institute during the visit marks a significant step in expanding cooperation in the field of education.

After the meeting, the ministers delivered statements to the media.

By Khagan Isayev