No:494/22, Press release on the meeting between Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa
On October 25, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov had a meeting with Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa (RSA).
At the meeting, issues on bilateral and multilateral cooperation agenda, developments in the region and worldwide, and cooperation in combating current challenges were discussed.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted with appreciation existence of cooperation between the two countries in a number of fields, including political, economic and humanitarian spheres despite the geographical distance between Azerbaijan and the RSA, and emphasized the importance of efforts for the further development of relations. Besides bilateral relations, the significance of strengthening cooperation within international organizations, especially the United Nations (UN) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was noted. Particularly, gratitude was expressed for the constant support to the initiatives put forward by Azerbaijan in the framework of the NAM. Minister Bayramov also informed his interlocutor on the new realities that emerged in the region as a result of restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity during the 44-Day Patriotic War, Azerbaijan's peace agenda, as well as the rehabilitation and reconstruction works carried out in the liberated territories.
Deputy Minister Alvin Botes comprehensively informed Minister Bayramov on the political consultations held between the Foreign Ministries of Azerbaijan and RSA on October 24, 2022 in Baku. Noting that Azerbaijan is working to increase the role of the NAM in its capacity as a Chair of the Movement in a challenging period, Deputy Minister gratefully recalled the assistance provided to developing countries, including countries located in Africa particularly during the pandemic. Alvin Botes mentioned that RSA attaches importance to further development of cooperation with Azerbaijan. In this regard, the significance of strengthening the legal framework for the development of economic relations was emphasized. Deputy Minister Alvin Botes drew attention to the joint action, especially within the South-South cooperation to increase the efficiency of the activities of international organizations in combating the current challenges and threats.
During the meeting, other issues of mutual interest were also discussed.
Political consultations held between the Foreign Ministries of Azerbaijan and RSA on October 24, 2022 should also be mentioned. From the Azerbaijani side the delegation was headed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Fariz Rzayev, and from RSA - by Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. Within the framework of political consultations, discussions were held on a number of issues related to various areas of cooperation.
