Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund Meets with the PM of Azerbaijan
During his visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan to participate in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, met today—July 2, 2025—with the PM of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov.
The meeting took place in Baku, where both sides discussed the expansion of political, economic, trade, and transit relations between Afghanistan and Azerbaijan.
At the outset, Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund expressed gratitude to the Republic of Azerbaijan for officially inviting the delegation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to participate in the 17th ECO Summit and for their warm hospitality.
To strengthen political relations between the two countries, the Deputy PM requested the enhancement of Afghanistan’s diplomatic presence in Baku by upgrading the embassy and formally recognizing the ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund also called on Azerbaijan to invest in Afghanistan in the areas of oil and gas extraction and processing, expansion of railway networks, and production of solar and wind energy. Additionally, he requested cooperation and experience-sharing in the mechanization of agriculture, water management, implementation of public service programs, demining, and vocational training.
During the meeting, Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund emphasized the importance of keeping the Lapis Lazuli Corridor operational and resolving existing challenges in the field of regional connectivity. He noted that the Islamic Emirate, under its economy-focused policy, believes in regional connectivity and considers the Lapis Lazuli Corridor a key driver for enhancing trade and transit between Afghanistan and the region.
In response, Azerbaijani PM Ali Asadov stated that Afghanistan is an ancient nation with a rich culture and long history. He noted the religious, historical, and cultural bonds between the Afghan and Azerbaijani people and appreciated the mutual respect shared between the two nations. He remarked, “Like us, you endured many hardships in pursuit of independence, and today you have a sovereign and dignified nation.”
PM Asadov added that Azerbaijan is eager to expand its relations with Afghanistan through ECO as well as through bilateral and trilateral cooperation across various sectors. He said, “We have always strived to cooperate with Afghanistan and will continue our efforts in this regard. Afghanistan’s rapid economic progress is encouraging, and we are ready to work jointly, particularly in trade, investment, and economic cooperation.”
He further proposed reactivating the Joint Economic Commission to expand economic cooperation between the two countries. He emphasized that the Lapis Lazuli route remains a priority for Azerbaijan, and they are committed to implementing the decisions made during the ministerial meeting of transport ministers from the involved countries. He also mentioned that a trilateral working group among Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan has been established, with its first meeting held in Kabul. The next meeting is scheduled to be held soon in Uzbekistan, where further joint matters will be discussed.
The Azerbaijani PM expressed his country’s readiness to share experiences and engage in investment and cooperation with Afghanistan in the areas of mineral exploration and extraction, renewable energy, water management, agricultural mechanization, and railway development. He also announced Azerbaijan’s support for the transit of Afghan coal to Turkey through its territory.
PM Asadov also assured facilitation of visa procedures for Afghan traders, provision of scholarships for Afghan students, implementation of capacity-building programs, and cooperation in resolving the cases of Afghan prisoners in Azerbaijan.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides described it as a valuable opportunity for enhancing political and economic relations between Afghanistan and Azerbaijan and emphasized initiating and continuing practical efforts in the mentioned areas.
