Baku: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev welcomed a delegation from the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, led by Carlos Pinto Pereira, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities. The meeting, held on December 2, signals a potential strengthening of relations between the two nations. The delegation also comprised Viriato Cassamá, Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Environment.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev reflected on his recent engagement with Guinea-Bissau’s President, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, describing it as productive. Despite the brief interval since that meeting, the presence of a ministerial-level delegation from Guinea-Bissau in Azerbaijan is seen as a positive indicator of their bilateral ties. President Aliyev expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in economic sectors, including trade and investment, which he believes will bolster political relations.
Carlos Pinto Pereira expressed gratitude for the warm reception, conveying his delegation’s inten
t to strengthen bilateral connections. This visit reflects President Embaló’s commitment to enhancing ties with Azerbaijan.
The discussions touched on educational cooperation, with Azerbaijan offering scholarships to students from Guinea-Bissau in fields like engineering and petroleum engineering. The historical context was noted, highlighting the presence of Guinea-Bissau students in Azerbaijan during the Soviet era, many of whom now hold government positions in Guinea-Bissau. It was mentioned that several members of the current delegation had studied in Azerbaijan previously.
Further discussions focused on collaboration in the oil and mining sectors, with Azerbaijan ready to share its expertise and explore geological activities. Both countries also considered developing a diplomatic consultation mechanism and intensifying cooperation within international organizations, alongside encouraging reciprocal visits.
Of particular interest to Guinea-Bissau is Azerbaijan’s “ASAN Xidmet” model, which integrates go
vernment and private services in one space and has been commended by the United Nations. President Aliyev affirmed Azerbaijan’s readiness to share this experience with Guinea-Bissau.
The meeting underscored the intent to explore new avenues for cooperation and strengthen existing ties between Azerbaijan and Guinea-Bissau.