BAKU, Jan. 19 (AGCNewsNet) – Azerbaijan and Rwanda held their first political consultations on January 17, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. Led by Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yalcin Rafiyev, the Azerbaijani government delegation visited Rwanda to engage with key officials, including Rwanda’s Minister of State for Finance and Economic Planning, Mutesi Rusagara, and other ministers in agriculture, information technology, and innovation.

During the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, mining, oil and gas, agriculture, and education. The meetings also touched on cultural and educational initiatives supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, particularly those in Rwanda, and highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the two countries, including a prior meeting between Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan at the COP29 Leaders' Summit in Baku.

A notable outcome of the consultations was the agreement to establish joint working groups and business missions to advance cooperation in mutual interests. Rwanda also expressed a keen interest in adopting Azerbaijan’s ASAN Service model to establish citizen service centers, a concept highly appreciated by the Rwandan side.

The political consultations included discussions on strengthening ties within the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement, and other international platforms. Both parties emphasized the importance of regular consultations to deepen their political and economic collaboration.

As part of the visit, Rafiyev also paid a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where he laid a wreath to honor the victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.

The delegation from Azerbaijan included representatives from the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Agriculture, and the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations, among others.

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