Turkish, Azerbaijani agencies plan joint projects in African countries

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) plans to launch a joint project with the Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA) in several African countries, TIKA Chairman Abdullah Eren has said, while the chairman did not disclose specific details of the project.

Speaking at a panel discussion at the conference Strengthening Global Solidarity through Humanitarian Aid and Development Cooperation in Baku, he noted that the agency already operates in 53 countries worldwide, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“We are represented in 53 countries, where 57 of our offices operate. In some states, more than one representative office is open - for example, in Afghanistan (Mazar-i-Sharif, Herat, and Kabul) and Pakistan (Islamabad and Karachi). But we clearly see that it is necessary to find reliable and sincere partners within the country. When providing assistance, we understand that the management and long-term sustainability of projects ultimately remain with the local partner. Therefore, the key task is capacity building and empowering the local population,” Eren emphasised.

In turn, Somali Ambassador to Azerbaijan Abdinur Dahir Fidow stated that AIDA’s vital role in providing humanitarian aid to countries in need and highlighted the significance of Azerbaijan’s priority focus on education.

“For Somalia, the theme of today’s conference is especially relevant. My country has repeatedly faced humanitarian challenges, food shortages, population displacement, and other difficulties. This experience has demonstrated the importance of international solidarity and the need to address the root causes of vulnerability to ensure community resilience and overcome crises,” the diplomat added.

South Korean Ambassador to Azerbaijan Kang Kym-gu spoke about his country’s experience of transitioning from a recipient nation to a donor country.

“This is a unique experience that many traditional donors do not have, and it is one of Korea’s strengths as a development cooperation partner. I believe this is also one of Azerbaijan’s strengths. Azerbaijan and Korea have different histories and different experiences, but I believe our shared path as donor countries gives us a deeper understanding of each other and creates a special bond between our nations,” the ambassador clarified.

MP Fariz Ismayilzada emphasised that he had seen firsthand how AIDA assists countries in need.

“I am very proud that today my country is a donor country. We provide assistance to more than 150 countries. This demonstrates the strengthening of our country, our society, and our foreign policy. I was recently in Ethiopia and saw the magnificent work our mission is doing there,” Ismayilzada remarked.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov