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Afghanistan’s PM and Azerbaijani counterpart emphasize expansion of political and economic ties
Baradar called for an upgrade in diplomatic relations and urged Azerbaijan to formally accept the Islamic Emirate’s nominated ambassador.
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of Afghanistan’s caretaker government, met with Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov during his visit to Baku for the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
The high-level meeting centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation in political, economic, trade, and transit sectors.
Baradar expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani government for its official invitation and the warm welcome extended to the Afghan delegation.
According to an official statement, Baradar called for an upgrade in diplomatic relations and urged Azerbaijan to formally accept the Islamic Emirate’s nominated ambassador.
He also invited Azerbaijan to invest in Afghanistan’s key sectors, including oil and gas extraction, solar and wind energy production, railway network expansion, and mechanized agriculture. The Afghan official also highlighted the strategic importance of maintaining the operational status of the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, describing it as a vital regional connector for boosting trade and integration.
Prime Minister Asadov, in turn, acknowledged Afghanistan’s rich cultural and historical heritage and underlined the deep religious and cultural ties between the two nations. He affirmed Azerbaijan’s readiness to cooperate in mining, renewable energy, water management, transportation, and technical education.
Asadov also voiced support for facilitating the transport of Afghan coal to Turkey through Azerbaijani territory. Additional pledges included expedited visa processing for Afghan businesspeople, scholarship opportunities for Afghan students, and assistance in addressing the legal cases of Afghan prisoners in Azerbaijan.
Both sides described the meeting as a promising starting point for launching practical measures aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has announced that Tehran will host a regional meeting on Afghanistan next week.
Referring to Iran’s ongoing consultations with neighboring countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, he said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran attaches fundamental importance to security and stability in our neighboring environment, and in this regard, spares no effort to reduce tensions among regional countries and to strengthen mutual understanding.”
He described the upcoming meeting as the result of consultations held at various levels with neighboring countries and other regional actors, expressing hope that this initiative will play an effective role in enhancing regional cohesion and easing tensions.
According to Baqaei, the regional meeting will take place next week in Tehran, hosted by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and will be attended by special representatives for Afghan affairs from Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Russia.
The European Union has announced €25 million in assistance to the World Food Programme’s Afghanistan office.
According to the EU, the aid will be used to develop climate-resilient projects and strengthen local food systems in Afghanistan.
It will also help create employment opportunities for women and youth, as well as support school nutrition programs.
The EU added that this cooperation will continue to expand opportunities that improve the lives of Afghans.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate has denied reports claiming that Afghan dual citizens living abroad are now required to obtain an Afghan visa when returning to their home country.
Zia Ahmad Takal, the ministry’s head of public relations, said in a statement that no new decision has been made in this regard.
According to him, Afghans who travel to Afghanistan with a foreign passport, as before, do not need to obtain a visa if they present proof of their Afghan identity, and they may enter the country without a visa.
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