Kigali: The government delegation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yalcin Rafiyev, conducted a significant visit to the Republic of Rwanda on January 17. This visit marked the first meeting of political consultations between the two nations, aimed at exploring and expanding avenues for bilateral cooperation.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Azerbaijani delegation engaged in discussions with various Rwandan officials, including Minister of State for Finance and Economic Planning Mutesi Rusagara, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Resources Mark Jubahiro Bagabe, and Minister of Information Technology and Innovation Paula Ingabire. Meetings were also held with the Rwanda Development Board and the Mines, Oil and Gas Board. The delegation was introduced to the activities of the Rwanda Entrepreneurship Incubation Centre, emphasizing the development of new opportunities for collaboration.
The discussions highlighted gratitude for the progress in bilateral relations, referencing meetings between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the COP29 Leaders' Summit in Baku. Notably, the talks covered educational and cultural projects in Rwanda supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, including the anticipated visit of the Foundation's Vice President Leyla Aliyeva in December 2024.
Both parties identified potential areas for cooperation in trade, investment, mining, oil and gas, agriculture, and education. An agreement was reached to form joint working groups and organize business missions in these sectors. The Rwandan side showed interest in implementing the Azerbaijani ASAN Service concept to develop citizen service centers.
The visit also included the inaugural meeting of political consultations at the deputy foreign minister level. These consultations addressed bilateral political and economic issues and considered prospects for collaboration within the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement, and other international organizations. The parties agreed on the importance of regular consultations to strengthen bilateral relations.
During his visit, Yalcin Rafiyev paid respects at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, laying a wreath and leaving a note in memory of the tragedy's victims. The Azerbaijani delegation comprised representatives from the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Agriculture, State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations, AZPROMO, and the Azerbaijan Investment Holding.