ShareKUWAIT: Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev stated that the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan will visit Kuwait to attend the interstate joint commission between Kuwait and Azerbaijan, where both countries will discuss and agree on key initiatives and undertakings. During a press conference, the Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister revealed that the high-level visit is scheduled to be on April 29-30, noting that the visits play a crucial role in strengthening ties between the two countries.
He said that the first round of political consultations was held on Thursday between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait and the Republic of Azerbaijan, pointing out that the Azerbaijani delegation met also the Kuwaiti Minister of Industry and Trade and Kuwait’s Direct Investment Promotion Authority to discuss a broad range of political issues and trade and investment opportunities.
He added “Azerbaijan and Kuwait share a strong brotherly bond, considering each other among their closest friends both bilaterally and within international organizations. The two countries have a history of mutual support and cooperation. While political relations are solid, efforts are now focused on enhancing economic and trade partnerships.
The goal is to further advance the existing trade and economic relationship, and this visit, along with the upcoming joint commission meeting, aims to achieve that.” Additionally, he emphasized that Azerbaijan has extended an invitation to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to visit the country in 2025, marking a significant moment in bilateral relations, stating “Previously, the President of Azerbaijan visited Kuwait for bilateral discussions, while Kuwait’s HH the Crown Prince attended a multilateral event in Azerbaijan in November 2024.
These exchanges are vital for advancing diplomatic and economic cooperation.” He continued that cooperation in education and people-to-people exchanges is flourishing, noting that last year, Azerbaijan welcomed 31,000 Kuwaiti tourists, a significant figure with three daily flights between both countries and the growing interest in travel between the two nations is evident.
On Gaza, he affirmed that Azerbaijan has consistently supported a two-state solution to the Zionist entity-Palestinian conflict, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent State of Palestine. He said, “Recently, we inaugurated our representative office in Ramallah to maintain direct communication. Additionally, we have provided humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
As the chair of the Non-Aligned Movement from 2019 to 2023, we have consistently upheld the rights of the Palestinian people. Furthermore, as part of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), we have taken significant steps to support their just cause for self-determination.” Regarding the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the deputy minister said “The decades-long conflict ended in 2020, followed by a counter-terrorist operation in 2023, restoring full Azerbaijani sovereignty.
The normalization process is progressing along three tracks: a nearly finalized peace agreement, border delimitation and demarcation, and the reopening of communication lines. However, Armenia must demonstrate a reciprocal commitment to these efforts.” On tourism levels, he indicated that the possibility of increasing flights from Kuwait to different cities in Azerbaijan depends on demand, revealing that new international airports, such as in Gabala —one of Kuwaitis’ favorite destinations — are ready to accommodate more flights if interest grows.
In terms of trade and investment, he said, “Current levels are below expectations and do not reflect the depth of friendship between the two countries. To address this, a business forum will be held alongside the upcoming joint commission meeting in April, bringing Azerbaijani companies to Kuwait to meet with local counterparts. Azerbaijan is also inviting Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in renewable energy, agriculture, and reconstruction projects in liberated territories.” On the issue of food security, discussions have begun on increasing Azerbaijani food exports to Kuwait. He noted “Logistics challenges, especially due to high temperatures affecting land transport, are being addressed through existing flight and cargo options. Strengthening business-to-business connections is expected to lead to Azerbaijani products appearing in Kuwaiti markets soon.”
The deputy minister stated that his country also plays a key role in connecting Central Asia with the GCC, participating in ministerial and head-of-state meetings between the two regions, adding “This engagement reflects Azerbaijan’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with Gulf countries, including Kuwait. This visit has served as a crucial step in expanding cooperation across various sectors, and further discussions will continue in preparation for the upcoming joint commission meeting,” he added.
