Africa-Press. The Speaker of the Azerbaijani National Assembly, Sahiba Gafarova, described Ethiopia as a “strategic partner” and an “important gateway” for expanding her country’s engagement and cooperation with the African continent.
During a panel discussion organized by a local source in Addis Ababa coinciding with her official visit to Ethiopia leading a parliamentary delegation, Gafarova emphasized that Ethiopia plays a prominent role in supporting dialogue, cooperation, and unity across Africa.
She highlighted Baku’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation with African countries through parliamentary diplomacy, academic partnerships, and regional coordination.
Cooperation Beyond Bilateral Relations
The Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament viewed Ethiopia’s political and diplomatic position, along with its hosting of the African Union headquarters and several international institutions, as granting it an important role in developing Azerbaijan’s relations with the continent.
She stressed that her country considers Addis Ababa a reliable partner and confirmed Azerbaijan’s readiness to expand cooperation in education, agriculture, people-to-people exchanges, and parliamentary and institutional work.
These initiatives are part of Baku’s efforts to increase its political and economic presence in Africa, building partnerships based on mutual interests and sharing experiences between governmental and legislative institutions.
Discussions with Abiy Ahmed
Gafarova met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and the two sides discussed enhancing bilateral relations and expanding strategic and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Ahmed stated that the discussions were based on a mutual commitment to building a deeper strategic partnership and achieving mutual growth, while both parties expressed interest in developing cooperation in areas of common priority.
The meeting specifically explored opportunities in the oil and gas sectors, as well as political, economic, humanitarian, and parliamentary relations, in light of the understandings reached during Ahmed’s visit to Azerbaijan in February 2026.
Investment Opportunities for Azerbaijani Companies
Gafarova held discussions with the Speaker of the Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representatives, Tagese Chafou, who presented the available opportunities for investors in agriculture, industry, mining, tourism, and information and communication technology.
Chafou noted that the economic reforms being implemented by Ethiopia provide additional opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, energy, education, and science, urging Azerbaijani companies to enter the Ethiopian market.
She also discussed with the Speaker of the Ethiopian House of Federation, Aginyo Teshager, the development of trade, investment, and tourism relations, as well as the exchange of experiences in public administration and organizing international conferences.
Transferring the Azerbaijani Government Services Model
Transferring the Azerbaijani “ASAN” model of government services to Ethiopia is one of the most prominent practical cooperation projects between the two countries.
The Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation visited the “Mizob” government services center in Addis Ababa, which is inspired by the Azerbaijani model and provides over 140 services from federal entities within a unified center.
The project is based on a memorandum of understanding signed in May 2024, which included Azerbaijan providing organizational, legal, and technical support for implementing the experience within Ethiopia and expanding it to several regions.
Gafarova’s visit reflects a trend towards transforming political relations into practical projects, including investment, education, government services, parliamentary exchanges, and cooperation with African institutions.
