Philippines, Azerbaijan Launch Inaugural Political Consultations in Manila

DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro pursues maritime, energy, agriculture, ICT, education, and cultural cooperation with Azerbaijan during the Inaugural Philippines-Azerbaijan Political Consultations held on 4 April 2023 in Manila.

PASAY CITY 11 April 2023 – The Philippines and Azerbaijan reaffirmed commitment to enhance bilateral relations at the Inaugural Philippines-Azerbaijan Political Consultations held on 4 April 2023 in Manila.

DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro led the Philippine delegation, while Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov headed the Azerbaijani delegation. This was the first official visit of Azerbaijan and the first face-to-face bilateral meeting  between the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and the Azerbaijan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after forging diplomatic relations three decades ago.

Undersecretary Lazaro underscored that the inaugural political consultations was a milestone event for the bilateral relations of both countries. She conveyed optimism that the meeting would create an impetus for the Philippines and Azerbaijan to jumpstart cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as trade and investments, maritime, renewable energy, agriculture and ICT cooperation. 

The Philippines and Azerbaijan agreed to increase exchange of visits at various levels and discussed ways to improve two-way trade and investments in both countries. “We look forward to welcoming investors from Azerbaijan to the Philippines as we ramp up economic activities post-pandemic. Azerbaijani investors can benefit from incentives and liberalization reforms on foreign investments that the Philippines has undertaken,” Undersecretary Lazaro said.

Both sides also agreed to continue supporting each other’s candidatures and advocacies in the multilateral fora. They also had a candid and open exchange of views on regional and international issues.

The Philippines and Azerbaijan also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cultural Cooperation between the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the sidelines of the meeting. Through this MOU, the Philippines and Azerbaijan aim to intensify cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The Philippines and Azerbaijan celebrated the 31st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations on 27 March 2023. END