Baku: Azerbaijan has been elected as a member of the two main decision-making bodies of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) - the Administrative Council and the Postal Operations Council - at the 28th Congress of the UPU, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport (MDDT) told APA-Economics.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, this Congress, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is regarded as the supreme body of the UPU. For the first time in history, Azerbaijan has gained the right to membership in both supreme bodies simultaneously. This development is attributed to Azerbaijan's rising stature in the international postal system, its contributions to technological advancements, and inter-agency cooperation.

Azerbaijan will now have direct involvement in the governance of the UPU, influencing decisions on the organization's strategy, management, and budget. This provides an opportunity for the country to play an active role in shaping and managing the global postal system. Azerbaijan will also take part in the drafting and amending of the UPU Convention and other regulatory documents that establish the legal and technical foundations of international postal services.

Moreover, Azerbaijan will participate in the approval and monitoring of the UPU budget, enhancing its recognition as a significant influencer in the international postal and logistics system. This, in turn, will bolster the country's position in other international negotiations. Furthermore, Azerbaijan will have the chance to propose its own initiatives within the UPU framework.

Azerbaijan's membership is scheduled for a four-year term from 2025 to 2029. During this period, the country will engage in discussions and voting on all critical decisions made within the organization. This membership not only represents a prestigious status but also serves as an essential platform for ensuring Azerbaijan's active participation in the global postal system's management. It also holds strategic importance for safeguarding the country's national interests in logistics and e-commerce at the international level.

Historically, Azerbaijan has been part of the UPU's supreme bodies. It first joined the Administrative Council at the 23rd Congress in Bucharest in 2004 and was later elected to both the Administrative Council and the Postal Operations Council at the 24th Congress in Geneva in 2008. Azerbaijan again became a member of the Postal Operations Council at the 26th Congress in Istanbul in 2016.