FM: Azerbaijan places special emphasis on strengthening ties with African countries PHOTO

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov received a delegation headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau Carlos Pinto Pereira on December 2.

The meeting began with a one-on-one discussion between Jeyhun Bayramov and Carlos Pinto Pereira, followed by an expanded session with the participation of delegations from both sides, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Caliber.Az.

During the expanded meeting, the prospects for bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Guinea-Bissau were discussed across various sectors, including politics, economics, humanitarian affairs, tourism, energy.

The importance of activating a political consultations mechanism to discuss the future development of ties between the two countries was highlighted. The need for cooperation in education and training was emphasised, with a focus on scholarship programmes. There was a call for sharing expertise in natural resource development and public service delivery, as well as the potential application of Azerbaijan’s ASAN Service model in Guinea-Bissau. 

Bayramov emphasised that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to developing relations with African countries, including Guinea-Bissau. He also reminded of the resolution on ensuring universal access to COVID-19 vaccines, which was adopted during Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement. Bayramov highlighted the importance of continuing joint activities within multilateral platforms, particularly the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. 

Moreover, Bayramov informed his counterpart about the current situation and realities in the post-conflict period in the region, including the large-scale reconstruction and development efforts in the liberated territories. He also spoke about Azerbaijan’s efforts in combating the mine threat and the ongoing process of normalising the Azerbaijan-Armenia relations. 

Bayramov and Carlos Pinto Pereira signed a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines the establishment of political consultations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. The meeting concluded with a joint statement from the ministers at a press conference.

By Naila Huseynova