Africa is today one of the world’s most dynamic and promising regions. With its young population, rapidly developing economy, rich natural resources and growing geopolitical importance, the continent is already playing an important role in shaping the global political and economic agenda, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev said during his speech at the conference dedicated to Africa Day, APA reports.
“The African Union is currently a full member of the G20. Africa is also seeking two permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council, and Azerbaijan fully supports this.
For Azerbaijan, Africa is not a distant continent. It is a continent of partners, friends and shared aspirations. Our relations are built on the principles of mutual respect, solidarity, and support for territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank all African countries for their continuous support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty during the years of occupation and the post-occupation period.
In recent years, Azerbaijan’s ties with Africa have expanded significantly. Political dialogue has intensified, diplomatic contacts have increased, and cooperation in various fields has entered a new stage.
Since last year, 12 political consultations have been held with African countries. Five government missions have been carried out by the multi-sectoral delegation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Today, Azerbaijan has diplomatic relations with all African countries except the Central African Republic, and it is planned to establish relations with that country in September this year as well.”
It was reported that over the past three years, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Africa has increased from 150 million US dollars to 580 million US dollars in 2025. This significant growth demonstrates the great potential of our economic partnership.
It was noted that over the past three years, the number of African leaders visiting Azerbaijan within the framework of bilateral visits and various events has increased significantly: “This list includes the presidents and heads of government of Somalia, Kenya, Egypt, Rwanda, Angola, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Mauritius and other countries. We see broad opportunities for cooperation in areas such as energy and renewable energy, agriculture and food security, transport and logistics, mining industry, education and vocational training, digitalization, innovation and the provision of public services. In 2024, Azerbaijan hosted COP29. We highly appreciate the active participation of African countries in COP29. The new collective financial goal adopted at the event was an important step.
However, much work still needs to be done to improve access to climate finance for developing countries, including African states. We have always recognized and promoted Africa’s special conditions in combating the consequences of climate change.
We have also carried out important activities in the field of humanitarian cooperation. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Leyla Aliyeva have implemented important humanitarian projects in several African countries.
The Azerbaijan International Development Agency operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, continues to implement projects in various areas in Africa.”
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