Zambia’s Ambassador to Turkey, Joseph Chilengi has called for a predictable framework of co-operation between Zambia and Azerbaijan to strengthen the existing warm bilateral relations between the two countries.
Dr Chilengi said there is great potential in various sectors of the economies of Zambia and Azerbaijan, which needs to be unlocked.
“My Government has prioritised Azerbaijan to be one of the key partners because of the economic progress your country has made under President Ilham Aliyev,” Dr Chilengi said.
He made the remarks when he paid a courtesy call on Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Turkey, Khazar Ibrahim at the Azerbaijani Chancery in Ankara today.
Dr Chilengi proposed that the two countries should consider establishing a Joint Economic Commission.
Dr Chilengi added that the international community admires Azerbaijan’s achievements from a struggling newly independent country to a major energy producer in the region.
“We also note with admiration, Azerbaijan’s impressive life expectancy of over 70, a demonstration of strong economic fundamentals and Zambia would like to tap into your experience,” Dr Chilengi said.
He said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Joseph Malanji MP, was looking forward to interacting with his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Maharram Oglu Mammadyarov to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Meanwhile, Mr Ibrahim said Zambia was within Azerbaijan’s strategic interests.
He said Azerbaijan was looking forward to cooperating and strengthening relations with Zambia.
The Zambian Mission in Turkey covers Azerbaijan as a country of extra accreditation.
The Mission also covers the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Georgia and the Republic of North Macedonia.
