BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 12. Azerbaijan’s
Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, attended and delivered a speech
at the meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers during his
working visit to Belarus, Trend reports via the country’s
Foreign Ministry.

In his speech, he emphasized the role and significance of the
CIS as a platform for constructive exchange of views and
discussions on bilateral and regional issues of mutual
interest.

Bayramov noted active cooperation with CIS member states in the
fields of economy, investments, trade, transportation, and
communications.

According to the minister, the positive dynamics in trade
between Azerbaijan and CIS member states in 2023 are an indicator
of the expansion of economic ties between the countries.

He stressed that Azerbaijan plays a role as a reliable partner
in transit, transport, and logistics between CIS member states and
international markets along East-West and North-South routes.

In order to further enhance these capabilities, Azerbaijan has
been actively modernizing railways, expanding the capacity of the
Alat International Sea Trade Port, and developing the Alat Free
Economic Zone, Bayramov explained.

Moreover, the minister pointed out the undeniable role of
cooperation and exchanges in the humanitarian sphere in
strengthening mutual trust and understanding between CIS member
states and fostering good neighborly relations.

He underscored that the CIS is a successful format for
cooperation in education, science, culture, healthcare, tourism,
sports, and youth affairs.

The minister also announced that the second-largest city in
Azerbaijan, Ganja, will host the CIS Games in 2025 and detailed the
active preparatory work being carried out for this purpose.

At the same time, Bayramov noted that the candidacy of
Azerbaijan’s Lachin city has been put forward to obtain the status
of the cultural capital of the CIS in 2025.

He reminded that Azerbaijan supported the corresponding plan of
events for next year in connection with the 80th anniversary of the
victory over fascism during the Second World War and highlighted
the country’s significant contribution to its achievement.

The official also briefed on preparations for Azerbaijan’s
hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) this year,
expressing confidence that hosting COP29 in Azerbaijan will also
contribute to strengthening targeted efforts towards transitioning
to green energy within the CIS and developing cooperation in this
area.

Bayramov also reiterated the role of the CIS as a mechanism for
cooperation among member states, expressing hope for the
productivity of the meeting.

To note, on the day before, the minister left on a working visit
to Belarus.

As part of the visit, he is attending and speaking at the
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Foreign
Ministers meeting in Minsk. In addition, the minister will
participate in various bilateral meetings.

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