For Free Headlines Submit Your Email
Thursday, May 2, 2024 5:39 GMT
Algeria and Azerbaijan are dedicated to bolstering cooperation and advancing bilateral relations to the highest level of excellence, emphasized Mr. Elchin Amirbayov, the special envoy of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.In an interview with APS on Saturday, Amirbayov underscored the significance of establishing diplomatic missions in both capitals, which has strengthened ties between the two countries. He highlighted the frequent high-level exchanges between government officials as evidence of mutual interest in further enhancing political and economic relations between Baku and Algiers.Reflecting on Azerbaijan President’s visit to Algiers during the League of Arab States summit, where he was the guest of honor, Amirbayov expressed hope for President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s attendance at the upcoming Baku Conference on Climate Change (COP29) scheduled for November.“We are eager to host the Algerian president at this conference to further strengthen our bilateral relations,” he emphasized.Amirbayov emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to infuse a new dynamic into bilateral cooperation to elevate it to its highest level, given the common interests and vast potentialities of both countries. He discussed the prospect of creating a joint intergovernmental commission to identify areas of cooperation and facilitate economic ties.“We have already submitted the draft agreement to Algeria and have been assured that we are close to finalizing it,” he added, expressing optimism about the imminent establishment of the commission.Amirbayov highlighted energy as a primary area of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in renewable energy. While acknowledging the significant potential for collaboration in this sector, he lamented that it remains underutilized.The envoy disclosed ongoing discussions between Algeria’s national oil company, Sonatrach, and Azerbaijan’s SOCAR regarding the organization of Algerian energy product trade and connectivity within their transportation networks.Furthermore, Amirbayov suggested exploring the possibility of transporting Algerian energy products through the Middle Corridor, connecting China, Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus, and Eastern Europe, an initiative of growing interest to China and the EU.Amirbayov acknowledged the relatively low volume of trade between the two countries, attributing it to the establishment of the joint intergovernmental commission and the formation of a Business Council as potential drivers of economic relations.In terms of cultural cooperation, Amirbayov emphasized the need to promote mutual understanding by organizing cultural seasons in both Algeria and Azerbaijan, signaling ongoing discussions between their respective culture ministries.He advocated for enhanced educational cooperation, suggesting that Azerbaijan’s diplomatic academy could offer scholarships to Algerian students and researchers, fostering academic exchange between member countries of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.Additionally, Amirbayov stressed the importance of facilitating the movement of people between the two countries, particularly tourists, proposing the establishment of a direct air route between Baku and Algiers and exploring visa facilitation measures.Highlighting the momentum in bilateral relations driven by Presidents Tebboune and Aliyev, Amirbayov emphasized the need for continued coordination at international and regional organizations on matters of mutual interest.“We can rely on useful and effective cooperation, especially with Algeria’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council,” he concluded.In conclusion, Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 in November presents an opportunity to address climate financing and North-South solidarity issues, representing a significant milestone in international efforts to combat global warming, as noted by Mr. Amirbayov.