FM: Azerbaijan emerges as active donor after 15 years of international assistance

Azerbaijan has evolved from a recipient of international assistance into an increasingly active donor and contributor to international development cooperation, with its assistance reaching more than 140 countries over the past 15 years, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said.

Bayramov made the remarks at a conference marking the 15th anniversary of the Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA), established in 2011 by order of President Ilham Aliyev, Caliber.Az reports, citing a post by the Foreign Ministry on X.

The minister noted that Azerbaijan’s international assistance policy, rooted in the country’s longstanding traditions of solidarity and philanthropy, has developed into a systematic approach covering “humanitarian assistance, development cooperation, knowledge-sharing, capacity-building & educational opportunities.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, attended & addressed the Conference marking the 15th anniversary of the Azerbaijan International Development Agency @AIDAzerbaijan, established upon the instruction of H.E. President Ilham Aliyev in… pic.twitter.com/UMBValVhP2

— MFA Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 (@AzerbaijanMFA) September 10, 2026

“Over the past 15 years, more than 140 countries have benefited from Azerbaijan’s international assistance, including all 54 African states, 111 NAM Member States, 52 OIC Member States, 43 of the 44 Least Developed Countries & 28 of the 39 Small Island Developing States. Since 2020, around $400 million has been allocated through bilateral & multilateral assistance,” the ministry quoted Bayramov as saying.

The FM stressed that Azerbaijan’s development cooperation extends beyond financial support, with the country also sharing its experience and expertise through South-South cooperation. These efforts cover areas including e-governance, public services, education, healthcare and social protection, while the internationally recognized ASAN Service model stands out as a notable example of Azerbaijan’s experience being shared with partner countries.

The minister also highlighted Azerbaijan’s presidency of COP29 and its efforts to strengthen climate finance for developing countries. Established under Azerbaijan’s COP29 Presidency, the Baku Climate & Peace Action Hub is “advancing practical cooperation” in support of countries particularly vulnerable to climate change and those affected by conflict.

Against this backdrop, AIDA and Türkiye’s Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) signed a memorandum of understanding on the sidelines of the conference, creating new opportunities for joint development initiatives, experience-sharing and closer cooperation in partner countries.

Bayramov reiterated that “Azerbaijan’s international assistance policy will continue to be guided by respect for national priorities, mutual benefit, experience-sharing & sustainable results.”

“As part of the conference, foreign students studying in Azerbaijan under the ‘Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant’ Program who have distinguished themselves through their academic achievements were also awarded with certificates,” the post concluded.

By Jeyhun Aghazada