Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has received Qatar's newly appointed ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mohammad Hamad Saad Al-Hajri. Minister Bayramov congratulated Ambassador Al-Hajri on his appointment and wished him success in his future endeavors.
During the meeting, issues arising from the existing bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Qatar, future plans, and the current situation in the region were discussed. The successful collaboration between the two countries in political, economic-trade, educational, humanitarian, and other areas was noted with satisfaction. It was highlighted that the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries will be marked soon.
The importance of expanding current cooperation through various mechanisms, including political consultations and utilizing the opportunities of the Joint Economic, Trade, and Technical Commission between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Qatar, was emphasized. In addition to bilateral cooperation, the commendable mutual activities within regional and international organizations were acknowledged. Particularly, new opportunities for collaboration arising from Azerbaijan's presidency of the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) were noted.
The discussion also covered the complete restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty, the end of the past conflict, reconstruction efforts in the post-conflict period, and the process of normalizing relations with Armenia. Ambassador Mohammad Hamad Saad Al-Hajri expressed his gratitude for the reception and congratulations, and assured that he would make every effort to develop the existing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Qatar during his tenure. The meeting also included an exchange of views on other matters of mutual interest.
Expanding Cybersecurity Partnerships in the Turkic World
On September 11, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, during the "KazHackStan 2024" event, a panel discussion titled "Digital Shield of the Turkic World: Partnership for Stronger Security" was held with representatives from member and observer states of the Turkic Council. Additionally, a closed meeting was conducted to discuss strategic partnerships in the field of cybersecurity. The panel discussions and closed session included representatives from Turkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Hungary. Azerbaijan was represented by Elvin Balacanov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Organizations Association (AKTA); Fidan Ahmadova, the organization's Secretary; Elvin Shahverdiyev, Deputy Head of the Electronic Security Service (ETX) of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Transport; and Elman Muradov, Head of the Audit and Compliance Department.
Azerbaijan's Cybersecurity Measures
During the panel session, Elvin Balacanov and Elvin Shahverdiyev provided information on Azerbaijan’s measures for ensuring cybersecurity, including actions against cyber threats and incidents. The discussion also covered factors influencing the expansion of cybersecurity partnerships within the Turkic Council framework. Subsequently, a closed meeting with representatives from Turkic Council member and observer states, including Mirvohid Azimov, Deputy Secretary General of the Turkic Council, focused on strategic partnerships in cybersecurity. The first part of the session included presentations on Azerbaijan's cybersecurity ecosystem, key components of the country's information security and cybersecurity strategies, our position in international rankings, and activities carried out by AKTA and ETX. The meeting also highlighted proposals from previous discussions aimed at expanding cooperation among Turkic Council member states and provided information on collaborations between ETX and relevant organizations in member states. The participants expressed the need for a relevant working group and joint partnership mechanisms to ensure more effective and efficient cybersecurity within the Turkic Council.
Saudi Arabian Companies to Visit Azerbaijan
On September 30, a delegation of up to 70 major Saudi Arabian companies will visit Azerbaijan. This development was discussed during a meeting between Yusif Abdullayev, Executive Director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), and Issam bin Saleh al-Quteyli, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Azerbaijan. The meeting also covered the upcoming Azerbaijan-Gulf Cooperation Council Economic Forum, scheduled for September 26 in Baku, highlighting the importance of strengthening business relations between the two countries. Yusif Abdullayev advocated for enhanced business relations and mutual investment projects to expand economic and trade ties. The Saudi Ambassador praised the political relationship between the two nations and noted the significant opportunities for economic cooperation. AZPROMO will support the establishment of connections between Saudi companies and local Azerbaijani entrepreneurs.
A Promising Future of Collaboration
The recent events showcase the increasing importance of Azerbaijan's diplomatic efforts and its focus on strengthening relationships with various countries. The potential for collaboration across sectors, including trade, investment, and cybersecurity, is significant, highlighting the growing role of Azerbaijan as a regional hub for development and innovation. This trend promises a prosperous future for Azerbaijan as it navigates the complexities of the global landscape and seeks to expand its reach and influence.
