Baku: Anar Karimov, Azerbaijan's First Deputy Minister of Finance, recently held a meeting with Nataly Mouravidze, Head of the Resident Office of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the country. The discussions focused on the advancement of key projects that are scheduled to be formalized and signed, with a particular emphasis on priority areas such as water management and urban infrastructure.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Karimov highlighted EBRD's role as a significant partner for Azerbaijan in fostering private sector development and enhancing public service delivery. He emphasized the strategic importance of ongoing projects, which will be executed in phases to align with fiscal sustainability and efficient financing mechanisms.

The projects currently underway in Ganja and Sheki are crucial for improving urban infrastructure and water supply, as well as for raising environmental standards and enhancing municipal service efficiency, as stressed by the Azerbaijani deputy minister.

Nataly Mouravidze highlighted the long-term cooperation with Azerbaijan and stressed the need to expedite the implementation of projects related to water management and urban infrastructure. She also expressed EBRD's interest in expanding cooperation in areas such as green energy, climate financing, and technical support mechanisms.

The meeting also covered discussions on the large-scale water infrastructure program for the Baku-Absheron region, its financing mechanisms, and other topics of mutual interest.