Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received the delegation headed by Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the African Union

At the meeting the sides noted that the visit of the delegation of the African Union to Azerbaijan contributes to the development of bilateral relations.

Minister Elmar Mammadyarov stressed that Azerbaijan is interested in the development of bilateral and multilateral relations with the African Union and the Member States as an Observer State at the organization. He said that consistent work is being carried out to better promote Azerbaijan among African countries through various events organized at the African Union Headquarters. Minister also noted that Azerbaijan has paid a special attention to the African issues during its non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for term of 2012-2013. Added that Azerbaijan was elected a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and in this capacity also Azerbaijan will contribute to the promotion of sustainable development goals. 

Minister informed that the next 2019 Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement will be held in Azerbaijan. Given the fact that majority of the African states are also members of Non-Aligned Movement he noted the favorable opportunities for the development of cooperation between African countries and Azerbaijan in the framework of NAM platform as well.

Aisha Abdullahi expressed her gratitude for the invitation to the Baku International Humanitarian Forum and stressed the topicality of the issues on the agenda of the forum. Commissioner mentioned that she will chair the panel on multiculturalism at the forum and will present African Union’s view on the issues of international agenda.

At the meeting, future prospects of the relations between African Union and Azerbaijan, the UN reform and the other issues of mutual interest were discussed.