Mr. Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, delivering his speech at the Second Distinguished Lecture hosted by AIDIA in Kathmandu on Thursday. (Photo: AIDIA)
The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) hosted the second edition of its Distinguished Lecture series today, featuring Mr. Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, as the keynote speaker. The event, centered on "Foreign Policy of Azerbaijan: Challenges and Opportunities," brought together diplomats, policymakers, and experts to discuss strengthening Nepal-Azerbaijan relations.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Sunil KC, Founder of AIDIA, stressed the need for deeper collaboration between Nepal and Azerbaijan. "Energy infrastructure, hydropower, and tourism present immense opportunities for both nations. We urge our governments to expand engagements and build sustainable partnerships," he said.
Dr. Anjan Shakya, Member of Nepal’s National Assembly and Coordinator of the Nepal-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Working Group, highlighted the shared resilience of the two countries despite geographical distance. "Our trade relations remain underdeveloped, but sectors like agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing hold great potential," she noted. Dr. Shakya also expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s humanitarian aid after Nepal’s 2015 earthquake and called for easier visa processes, direct flights, and stronger parliamentary exchanges.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister Mammadov outlined Azerbaijan’s foreign policy priorities, emphasizing peace agreements, border delimitation, and reopening communication links. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s leadership in global diplomacy, particularly as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). "NAM serves as a crucial platform for Global South nations, and Azerbaijan remains committed to fostering international cooperation," he stated.
Mammadov also pointed to Azerbaijan’s role as host of COP29, which saw participation from over 76,000 delegates, including 80+ world leaders. He shared Azerbaijan’s domestic green energy goals, targeting 30–33% renewable electricity by 2027, and offered Nepal technical support for implementing ASAN Service, Azerbaijan’s award-winning e-governance system.
Elchin Huseynli, Azerbaijan’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Nepal, reaffirmed Baku’s dedication to enhancing ties with Kathmandu across political, economic, and cultural spheres.
The Deputy Minister’s visit marks a significant step in Nepal-Azerbaijan relations, with both sides exploring new avenues for collaboration. "Our partnership is built on mutual respect and shared aspirations for development," Mammadov remarked, signaling a promising future for bilateral cooperation.
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