Azerbaijan and Guinea-Bissau Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation Initiatives

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan met with Carlos Pinto Pereira, Guinea-Bissau’s Foreign Minister, to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation. The talks focused on trade, investment, educational scholarships, and shared expertise in oil and mining. Additionally, they addressed diplomatic mechanisms and interest in Azerbaijan’s “ASAN Xidmet” service model. The meeting signifies a commitment to improving relations between the two nations.

On Monday, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan welcomed a delegation led by Carlos Pinto Pereira, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities of Guinea-Bissau. President Aliyev reflected on his recent encounter with President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, characterizing the discussion as highly constructive in shaping future bilateral relations. He regarded the delegation’s visit as an encouraging sign of the strengthening ties between the two nations. President Aliyev expressed hopes for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, and other areas, which could further solidify their political relationship.

Minister Carlos Pinto Pereira conveyed gratitude for the warm reception, noting that the delegation’s visit aims to reinforce relationships with Azerbaijan, as emphasized by President Embaló’s commitment. The talks included discourse on educational cooperation, highlighting Azerbaijan’s provision of scholarships for Guinea-Bissau students in fields such as engineering and petroleum engineering. The historical context was recognized, as many students from Guinea-Bissau benefited from education in Azerbaijan during the Soviet era, contributing significantly to their home government.

Furthermore, opportunities for collaboration in the oil and mining sectors were discussed, with Azerbaijan offering to share its expertise. The two sides considered establishing a diplomatic consultation mechanism and enhancing cooperation within international organizations. Additionally, the Azerbaijani model of “ASAN Xidmet,” a unified service platform for citizens, captured the interest of the Guinea-Bissau delegation. President Aliyev was keen to share insights on this successful initiative, which has garnered acclaim from the United Nations.

The discussions between Azerbaijan and Guinea-Bissau mark a significant step in enhancing bilateral relations through collaborative efforts in various sectors. Azerbaijan, having a rich history of providing educational opportunities and expertise in oil and mining, seeks to expand its influence and foster strategic partnerships within Africa. The emphasis on educational cooperation reflects a long-standing tradition of fostering diplomatic relations through academic exchanges, while the interest in Azerbaijani governmental services showcases a desire for administrative improvement in Guinea-Bissau.

In summary, the meeting between President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Minister Carlos Pinto Pereira of Guinea-Bissau paves the way for deeper cooperation between the two nations. The discussions covered multifaceted areas, including education, economic partnerships, and strategic organizational collaboration. This engagement highlights both countries’ commitment to strengthening their relationship and contributes to regional cooperation efforts.

Original Source: news.az