Azerbaijan, Rwanda hold first meeting of political consultations (PHOTO)

BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 18. On January 17,
the government delegation of the Republic of Azerbaijan led by
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Yalcin Rafiyev
visited the Republic of Rwanda, Trend reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign
Ministry.

During the visit, the delegation held meetings with the Minister
of State for Finance and Economic Planning of Rwanda, Mutesi
Rusagara, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Resources, Mark
Jubahiro Bagabe, the Minister of Information Technology and
Innovation, Paula Ingabire, as well as with the heads of the Rwanda
Development Board and the Mines, Oil and Gas Board. In addition,
the delegation was introduced to the activities of the Rwanda
Entrepreneurship Incubation Centre.

At the meetings, there was expressed gratitude for assistance in
creating new opportunities for developing cooperation between the
two countries. The results of bilateral meetings were discussed,
including those held during the reception of Rwandan President Paul
Kagame by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the COP29 Leaders’
Summit in Baku. Particular attention was paid to educational and
cultural projects implemented in Rwanda with the support of the
Heydar Aliyev Foundation, as well as the visit of the Foundation’s
Vice President Leyla Aliyeva in December 2024.

The parties noted the broad potential for cooperation in such
areas as trade, investment, mining, oil and gas, agriculture and
education. An agreement was reached to establish joint working
groups in areas of mutual interest and organize business missions.
The Rwandan side expressed particular interest in applying the
Azerbaijani ASAN Service concept to establish citizen service
centers, which was highly appreciated.

The visit also included the first meeting of political
consultations at the level of deputy foreign ministers of
Azerbaijan and Rwanda.

The political consultations discussed bilateral political and
economic issues, as well as prospects for cooperation within the
UN, the Non-Aligned Movement and other international organizations.
The parties emphasized the importance of such consultations for
strengthening bilateral relations and agreed to hold meetings on a
regular basis.

During the visit, Yalcin Rafiyev visited the Kigali Genocide
Memorial, where he laid a wreath in memory of the victims of the
tragedy and left a note in the memorial book.

The government delegation included representatives of the
Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan, the
State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, AZPROMO and the Azerbaijan
Investment Holding.