Afghan Deputy PM Baradar Meets Azerbaijani PM Asadov to Boost Bilateral Ties at ECO Summit

During the meeting, Baradar expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for its warm reception and official invitation to the Afghan delegation. He called for an upgrade in diplomatic relations and urged Azerbaijan to formally accept the Islamic Emirate’s nominated ambassador.

Baradar invited Azerbaijan to invest in key sectors of Afghanistan’s economy, including oil and gas extraction, solar and wind energy production, railway network expansion, and mechanized agriculture. He emphasized the strategic importance of the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, describing it as a vital regional trade route that enhances connectivity and integration.

Prime Minister Asadov acknowledged Afghanistan’s rich cultural and historical heritage and highlighted the deep religious and cultural ties between the two nations. He expressed Azerbaijan’s readiness to cooperate in various fields, including mining, renewable energy, water management, transportation, and technical education.

Asadov also pledged support for facilitating the transport of Afghan coal to Turkey through Azerbaijani territory. Additional commitments included expedited visa processing for Afghan businesspeople, scholarship opportunities for Afghan students, and assistance in addressing the legal cases of Afghan prisoners in Azerbaijan.

Both sides described the meeting as a promising step toward launching practical measures to strengthen bilateral relations.