INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of Afghanistan’s caretaker
government, met with Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov during his visit to Baku for the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation
Organization (ECO).
The high-level meeting centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation in political, economic, trade, and transit
sectors.
Baradar expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani government for its official invitation and the warm welcome extended to the Afghan
delegation.
According to an official statement, Baradar called for an upgrade in diplomatic relations and urged Azerbaijan to formally
accept the Islamic Emirate’s nominated ambassador.
He also invited Azerbaijan to invest in Afghanistan’s key sectors, including oil and
gas extraction, solar and wind energy production, railway network expansion, and mechanized agriculture
The Afghan official also highlighted the strategic importance of maintaining the operational status of the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, describing
it as a vital regional connector for boosting trade and integration.
Prime Minister Asadov, in turn, acknowledged Afghanistan’s rich
cultural and historical heritage and underlined the deep religious and cultural ties between the two nations
He affirmed Azerbaijan’s readiness to cooperate in mining, renewable energy, water management, transportation, and technical
education.
Asadov also voiced support for facilitating the transport of Afghan coal to Turkey through Azerbaijani territory
Additional pledges 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 starting point
for launching practical measures aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
The post Afghanistan’s PM and Azerbaijani counterpart
emphasize expansion of political and economic ties first appeared on TINS News | Afghanistan News.
