Rwandan president visits ASAN centre to explore innovative public service model PHOTO

President of Rwanda Paul Kagame visited Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, on September 20 to gain insight into the country’s internationally acclaimed public service model, ASAN Xidmət. 

During the visit, President Kagame was welcomed at the ASAN Xidmət center by Ulvi Mehdiyev, Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

Mehdiyev provided a comprehensive overview of the ASAN Xidmət system, which was launched under the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev to streamline and modernise public service delivery.

A detailed presentation was delivered to President Kagame, highlighting the structure, goals, and global recognition of the ASAN model. Now considered a national brand and intellectual export of Azerbaijan, ASAN Xidmət has signed cooperation agreements with over 30 countries and international organisations.

The United Nations has acknowledged ASAN Xidmət as one of the world’s leading public service models and actively promotes it across four continents.

Rwanda and Azerbaijan have been working to build cooperation in this area since a meeting between Presidents Kagame and Aliyev during COP29 in November 2024.

As a result of these discussions, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in June, 2025 between the State Agency and a relevant Rwandan institution to share knowledge and technical expertise in public service innovation.