Azerbaijani, Gabonese, Rwanda’s leaders discuss economic cooperation issues

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a meeting with President of Rwanda Paul Kagame on November 13.

President Kagame expressed his gratitude to Azerbaijan for the invitation to 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), commending the event's excellent organization and hospitality, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He also praised President Aliyev's speech at the opening of the COP29 Leaders' Summit, calling it both comprehensive and impactful. In turn, President Aliyev thanked President Kagame for his participation in COP29.

He highlighted that, since Azerbaijan assumed the COP presidency, the country has faced unfair attacks and media campaigns, which he deemed unacceptable. The Azerbaijani president pointed out that there is a widespread misconception about developing countries being the primary polluters of the world. 

President Kagame also touched upon Rwanda's collaboration with Azerbaijan within the Commonwealth framework. President Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan's financial support to small island nations through the Commonwealth, as well as the country's use of satellite technology to create a database on the climate change challenges these nations face. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan's commitment to practical and mutually beneficial cooperation. 

The two leaders also discussed the further strengthening of bilateral ties between Azerbaijan and Rwanda. President Kagame expressed interest in Azerbaijan's "ASAN Service" model, and both leaders explored the possibility of implementing this system in Rwanda. President Aliyev provided an in-depth explanation of the ASAN and DOST services, highlighting their positive reception among citizens. 

The conversation also touched on expanding economic, trade, and investment cooperation, as well as fostering greater people-to-people connections. To further these efforts, the establishment of a joint working group was agreed upon. President Kagame reaffirmed Rwanda's commitment to deepening cooperation with Azerbaijan and extended an invitation to President Aliyev for an official visit to Rwanda. In response, President Aliyev invited his Rwandan counterpart to visit Azerbaijan officially.

President Aliyev also held a meeting with Joseph Owondault Berre, Vice-President of the Gabonese Republic.

Joseph Owondault Berre expressed his appreciation to President Aliyev for the invitation to attend COP29 and congratulated Azerbaijan on the successful organisation of the event.

President Aliyev emphasised Azerbaijan's commitment to strengthening its ties with African nations.

The two leaders also discussed the potential for reciprocal visits by official delegations from both countries to further boost economic cooperation.

By Naila Huseynova