Ethiopia, Azerbaijan Vow to Strengthen Bilateral Relations, Deepen Cooperation

Addis Ababa January 15/2025 (ENA) ­--Ethiopia and Azerbaijan have vowed to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen cooperation in various fields.

Ethiopia and Azerbaijan held their third political consultation in Addis Ababa today.

Foreign Affairs State Minister Mesganu Arga and Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev led their respective delegations.

During the opening event, State Minister Mesganu said the consultation underscored the commitment of the countries to strengthen the bilateral relations and deepen cooperation in various fields.

The state minister highlighted the importance of exploring new avenues of cooperation, including agriculture, mining, ICT, manufacturing, and green economy. 

 

Over the recent years, the bilateral relation between the two countries is showing steady growth, he said, adding the political consultation is serving as a key instrument in further enhancing our cooperation and collaboration on mutually important agendas.

He mentioned the recent exchange of visits by high-level government officials between the two countries as drivers of their relations.

Mesganu recalled that he had led a delegation to Baku, Azerbaijan, for the second joint political consultation in 2023 and had productive discussion on political, economic and important issues of common interest for both countries.

And this led to the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on modernizing public service reform program, citing the visit of Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh to Azerbaijan in May 2024.

Another high-level delegation led by President Taye Atskeselassie has also met and discussed with Azerbajani President Ilham Aliyev, he added. 

“Undoubtedly, our bilateral relation is growing with leaps and bounds over recent years through exchange of high level visit,” Mesganu added.

“Today, our bilateral political consultation takes place at a time when the world is facing numerous challenges, from economic uncertainties to security concern. It is in such turbulent time that strong partnership between our two countries becomes even more critical,” he said.

In this essence, he added that our two countries have reached histories and cultural legacies that provide a solid foundation for our collaboration.

However, the trade relation has not reached its full potential, he mentioned, noting that in the year 2022 Ethiopia exported mainly coffee, cut flower and spices to Azerbaijan. During the same period, Azerbaijan exported largely petroleum products to Ethiopia. 

Now is a high time for both countries to exert maximum effort to uplift our bilateral exchange of trade and investment, he emphasized.

Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev on his part said the consultation will cover important national, regional and global issues of mutual concern.

Mentioning that it is his first visit to Ethiopia,  he witnessed developments in Addis Ababa.

 

“I see the development in the city, how our Ethiopian brothers and sisters are growing. This is something that really gives us pride,” he said.

He further stated the positive development is inspiring and encouraging and “we would be ready also to contribute to the development of the bilateral relationship.”

Azerbaijan is also an economic leader in our region, he said, adding this will have a potential for advancing our partnership.

He also stressed on need to increase exchange of high-level visits and deepen bilateral relations in various sectors.

Several Azerbaijani delegations will engage with key Ethiopian institutions such as the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ethiopian Investment Holdings, he said.