By OPCS Press Service
NAIROBI- Azerbaijan has officially inaugurated its embassy premises in Nairobi as the two countries marked two decades of diplomatic relations.
The move underscores deepening ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration and will act as a significant realignment on furthering bilateral discussions between Kenya and Azerbaijan.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi who accompanied the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Jeyhun Bayramov at the inauguration ceremony said Kenya is looking forward to expanding the areas of collaboration with Azerbaijan in the near future.
“We held a successful inaugural Kenya-Azerbaijan Bilateral Political Consultations last month in Nairobi and the discussions revolved around a wide range of topics, including trade and investment, agriculture, energy, education, defence, industry, multilateral cooperation, and peace and security.” said Mudavadi.
“Kenya commits to implementing the agreed action points, including accelerating the finalization of pending Memoranda of Understanding and initiating MoUs in ICT, Education, and Defense.” added Mudavadi.
Since its establishment in 2023, the Azerbaijan embassy in Kenya has been an important link in facilitating engagement between the countries thus strengthening Nairobi’s standing as a regional diplomatic hub.
“I thank the Kenyan government and acknowledge the favorable environment and conditions created by Kenya as our host for the proper functioning of the diplomatic mission we have inaugurated today.” remarked Bayramov.
Bayramov said they are looking forward to engaging Kenya on areas that will bolster the partnerships that involve cooperation within international organizations such as the United Nations.
On the first day of his official visit, Bayramov noted that Kenya harbors immense talent within the youth which he stated that his country will be keen to tap lessons that will strengthen the mutual collaboration between Kenya and Azerbaijan.
“We have interacted with Kenya’s policies on youth, culture and sports.
We are thrilled on how Kenya manages to integrate its policies to real expectations of the citizens.
We look forward to learning and collaborating on this front.” said Bayramov.
“On the area of education and diplomacy we are working towards establishing a partnership framework that will see us offering specialized courses for young diplomats from Kenya.” added Bayramov.
Mudavadi who had earlier held bilateral talks with the Azerbaijan delegation at his Railways offices said Kenya takes cognizant of the shared priorities with Azerbaijan in global governance, particularly in aspects relating to climate change.
He congratulated Azerbaijan for successfully hosting COP-29 in Baku last year, bringing the world together to discuss and make decisions on critical topics touching on climate financing and carbon markets.
In the talks the Prime CS noted that Kenya is committed to the successful conclusion of the ongoing process to negotiate a Global Plastics Treaty as he sought Azerbaijan’s support for the African position of establishing the Secretariat in Nairobi during the second session of the 5th Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee Meeting to be held in Geneva in August.
“It is our conviction as Africa that Nairobi, as the headquarters of UNEP, would be the natural home for the Global Plastic Treaty Secretariat.” he said.
“The 7th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) will be held in Nairobi in December, 2025.
In this regard, Kenya proposes to sponsor two resolutions at the Assembly, that is, Artificial Intelligence and Sports and the Environment.
I would like to invite Azerbaijan to join us in co-sponsoring the resolutions.
We will provide additional information in due time.” added Mudavadi.
Mudavadi also congratulated Azerbaijan on the successful bid to host the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Baku in 2026 and pledged Kenya’s participation in the Forum.
“Kenya looks forward to contributing to the meaningful dialogue and exchange of best practices on inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities come next year in Baku.” Mudavadi assured.
Bayramov also met with President William Ruto at State House, where he extended an invitation for a State Visit to Baku.
EDITED BY: HOPE BARBRA
