Azerbaijan’s President, Ilham Aliyev, met with Guinea-Bissau’s Foreign Minister, Carlos Pinto Pereira, to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in education, trade, oil, and governance. Both leaders expressed commitment to reinforcing ties through shared expertise and increased diplomatic engagements.
On Monday, President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan welcomed a delegation led by Carlos Pinto Pereira, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities of Guinea-Bissau. During their meeting, President Aliyev highlighted the productive nature of his recent discussions with Guinea-Bissau’s President, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, which focused on enhancing bilateral relations and exploring collaborative opportunities.
The President expressed optimism that increased cooperation in trade and investment could further bolster existing political ties. Minister Pereira conveyed his gratitude and reiterated that the delegation’s visit was intended to reinforce these bilateral relations, aligning with the wishes of Guinea-Bissau’s leadership to solidify connections with Azerbaijan.
Furthermore, the conversations turned to the education sector, noting Azerbaijan’s commitment to providing scholarships for students from Guinea-Bissau in disciplines such as engineering and petroleum engineering. The historical context of educational exchanges was acknowledged, mentioning the many students from Guinea-Bissau who had previously studied in Azerbaijan during the Soviet era, contributing significantly to the current governance of their nation.
Discussions also encompassed potential cooperation in the oil and mining industries, with Azerbaijan offering to share its expertise in geological exploration. Notably, the establishment of a diplomatic consultation mechanism was proposed, along with the enhancement of collaborative efforts within international organizations and increased reciprocal visits.
The Azerbaijani model of “ASAN Xidmet,” which streamlines citizen access to government services, sparked interest from the Guinea-Bissau delegation. President Aliyev affirmed his country’s readiness to share effective practices in governance, particularly those recognized by the United Nations.
The discussions between Azerbaijan and Guinea-Bissau center around strengthening their bilateral relationship through cooperation in various sectors, including education, oil, and mining. Azerbaijan’s past support and scholarship provisions for Guinea-Bissau students foster goodwill, while shared expertise in economic sectors promises to enhance diplomatic ties. The focus on mechanisms like “ASAN Xidmet” reflects a commitment to improving governance and citizen service delivery within Guinea-Bissau, aligning with broader international standards and practices.
In summary, the meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and Minister Carlos Pinto Pereira marks a significant step toward deepening the relationship between Azerbaijan and Guinea-Bissau. By emphasizing collaboration in education, trade, oil, and governance, both nations aim to establish a robust foundation for future cooperation. The discussions not only highlight a mutual interest in strengthening political ties but also the potential for meaningful partnerships in various sectors that can benefit both countries.
Original Source: news.az
