Baku: Azerbaijan and Belarus have taken a significant step towards bolstering economic ties with the signing of a Joint Protocol aimed at expanding cooperation across several sectors. The announcement was made following the 15th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation held on October 28.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the meeting was co-chaired by Azerbaijan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Samir Sharifov, and Belarus’s Deputy Prime Minister, Natalia Petkevich. Both sides emphasized the robust strategic partnership between the two nations, characterized by mutual trust and a strong political dialogue. The relationship between Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Aleksandr Lukashenko was noted as a cornerstone of this partnership.
The meeting assessed the Commission’s past activities and discussed the implementation of the Cooperation Roadmap for 2024-2025. It highlighted significant progress in multiple sectors including industry, agriculture, mechanical engineering, and trade. Notably, ongoing projects such as the assembly of machinery at the Ganja Automobile Plant and the expansion of local elevator production were brought to the forefront.
Furthermore, the session covered collaborative efforts in the liberated territories, particularly in the agro-town project in Aghdam district’s Gizil Kengerli village. The sides also discussed the nearing completion of talks on applying Belarusian pharmaceutical technologies in Azerbaijan.
Trade dynamics between Azerbaijan and Belarus were reviewed, with a reported 42 percent increase in trade turnover in 2024, reaching $506 million. The parties agreed on strategies to diversify traded goods and optimize logistics.
Cultural and educational exchanges were also discussed, emphasizing initiatives like mutual cultural days and youth forums to strengthen humanitarian ties.
The meeting concluded with the signing of the Joint Protocol, which outlines commitments to new projects and coordinated efforts through joint working groups. The agreement underscores the strategic relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus, with a shared commitment to expanding cooperation.