Baku: South Africa's Minister of Human Settlements, Thembisile Simelane, highlighted the strategic importance of cooperation between Azerbaijan and African countries within the UN-Habitat platform. She remarked on the significance of Azerbaijan hosting the 13th Session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13), noting it as a testament to the country's dedication to international collaboration and sustainable urban development.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Minister Simelane acknowledged the responsibility and financial commitment required by Azerbaijan to host such a significant event, emphasizing the country's dedication to global cooperation. She praised the development achievements in Baku, describing the city's cleanliness, infrastructure development, and the comfortable environment it offers residents as noteworthy indicators of progress.

Minister Simelane further stressed that the cooperation between Azerbaijan and African countries extends beyond the forum sessions. She noted that these relations foster new opportunities for ongoing collaboration within the UN-Habitat platform, underscoring the strategic importance of these partnerships.