Egypt and Azerbaijan: Strengthening Ties through Strategic Cooperation
Relations between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of Azerbaijan are of notable significance, deeply rooted in historical connections and shared interests. Over recent years, both countries have established a robust framework for cooperation in various fields, reflecting their mutual commitment to fostering a strong and dynamic partnership.
A Legacy of Diplomatic Relations
Egypt was among the first countries to recognize the independence of Azerbaijan on December 26, 1991. This pivotal moment marked the start of official diplomatic relations between the two nations. The groundwork for future collaborations was set with the first official visit by Heydar Aliyev to Egypt in 1994, followed by current Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s visit in 2007.
Bridging Bilateral Relations
Under the leadership of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the relationship between Egypt and Azerbaijan has been elevated to new heights. A significant milestone was the meeting between Presidents el-Sisi and Aliyev, which resulted in the signing of multiple agreements that span various sectors, including economic cooperation. These meetings have seen an increase in mutual visits by the leadership of both countries, further cementing their bilateral ties.
Egyptian expert Amira Abdulhakim highlights that the trade turnover between both nations for the period from January to June 2022 was an impressive $25.89 billion. Notably, exports from Egypt amounted to $19.53 billion, while imports from Azerbaijan totaled $6.36 billion, resulting in a positive trade balance of $13.17 billion.
Key Trade and Economic Agreements
Trade between Egypt and Azerbaijan involves a variety of goods, such as electrical appliances, machinery, food products, metal and iron products, plastic, wood, pharmaceutical products, tobacco, and furniture. These diverse categories underline the complementary nature of their economies.
Several pivotal agreements have been signed to bolster collaborative efforts. On March 8, 2023, Egyptian Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala el-Said met with Azerbaijani Ambassador to Egypt Elkhan Polukhov, to discuss bilateral cooperation initiatives. This meeting was particularly focused on the directives stemming from President el-Sisi’s visit to Baku in January 2022 and aimed to enhance cooperation at both regional and international levels.
Joint Commission on Economic, Technical, and Scientific Cooperation
In February 2022, during the fifth session of the Joint Commission on Economic, Technical, and Scientific Cooperation between Egypt and Azerbaijan, five vital agreements were inked. These covered a range of areas, including port construction, business relations, trade activities, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Further, on January 28, 2023, an expanded meeting of delegations from both countries was held under the chairmanship of Presidents el-Sisi and Aliyev. This meeting culminated in the signing of protocols of agreements in various sectors, including culture, water resources, and industry.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, the relationship between Egypt and Azerbaijan is poised for greater strategic alignment. On January 9, 2024, multiple protocols of agreements were signed, focusing on increasing trade turnover, supporting joint investments, and advancing bilateral relations in politics, energy, and economics. These agreements are set to contribute significantly to the bright future of Egypt-Azerbaijan relations.
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Egypt and Azerbaijan are not only reinforcing their historical ties but are also paving the way for a partnership that promises economic prosperity and strategic cooperation on a global scale.
