Burkina Faso, Azerbaijan seek deeper ties in energy and mining sectors

Burkina Faso and Azerbaijan are exploring opportunities for collaboration in various sectors, including energy and mining, to enhance their relationship. 

This development came to light during a meeting between President Ibrahim Traore and a Representative of the Azerbaijani President on Special Assignments, Elchin Amirbayov, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

The statement revealed that Traore and Amirbayov are keen to establish a “solid” partnership and foster interaction between the two nations. Amirbayov is in Burkina Faso to commemorate 20 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Amirbayov highlighted that both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to this cooperation, which is based on mutual respect and shared interests. He noted that discussions covered specific areas where this partnership could be advantageous, including energy, vocational education, mining, and humanitarian efforts.

He added, “It is a very opportune moment to review our bilateral relations and identify potential avenues to advance them.”

Notably, On May 31, 2004, the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Burkina Faso formally established diplomatic relations. This milestone followed the signing of a Protocol on May 28, 2004, which laid the groundwork for official interactions between the two nations.

Azerbaijan and Burkina Faso work together on the international stage through various organisations, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, UNESCO, and the African Union.

From 2011 to 2012, the Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA) provided $50,000 in financial aid to Burkina Faso to help address a food crisis.

In December 2012, AIDA, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank, launched the "Preventing Avoidable Blindness" campaign in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. This initiative included cataract surgeries for local residents and training for five Burkinabe ophthalmologists. A similar campaign was repeated in May 2013.

Additionally, SOCAR, Azerbaijan's state oil company, has been involved in various regional and international projects. In 2016, SOCAR Trading and Burkina Faso’s SONABHY signed several commercial agreements for the supply of petroleum products to Burkina Faso.