Manama: A delegation led by Israfil Mammadov, CEO of the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), paid a working visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Kuwait. The visit aimed to expand SOFAZ’s international partnerships and explore new opportunities for long-term, mutually beneficial investment cooperation through meetings with sovereign wealth funds, government institutions, and key private-sector players.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, SOFAZ’s delegation met with Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat, Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund. Discussions focused on global market dynamics, portfolio diversification strategies, and potential avenues for collaboration in priority sectors.
The delegation also engaged in talks with Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, addressing the role of sovereign investors in fostering economic cooperation and examining opportunities to strengthen bilateral and regional investment links.
As part of the Bahrain programme, the delegation met with Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and CEO of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB). The sides exchanged views on sustainable finance, digital-economy transformation, and innovation-driven investment initiatives.
During the Kuwait leg of the visit, the delegation held discussions with Sheikh Saoud Al Sabah, Managing Director of the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), and the leadership of the Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS). The discussions focused on capital-management approaches, co-investment opportunities, and broader institutional collaboration in global markets.
Further engagements included a meeting with Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), where the sides discussed investment-promotion priorities, business-environment improvements, and emerging economic opportunities. The delegation also met with several private-sector representatives to exchange perspectives on regional market trends and potential areas for future cooperation.