Azerbaijan and Guinea-Bissau: A Strategic Partnership Unfolds

Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Moktar Sissoko Embaló visited Azerbaijan, underscoring Azerbaijan’s evolving relationship with Africa. This visit coincided with critical discussions on mining in Guinea-Bissau and Azerbaijan joining the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. Both nations aim to strengthen cooperation in various fields, particularly in defense and international forums, signaling Azerbaijan’s strategic intentions in Africa.

On February 27, President Umaro Moktar Sissoko Embaló of Guinea-Bissau arrived in Azerbaijan, marking a significant step in Baku’s deepening diplomatic relations with Africa. This visit indicates Azerbaijan’s ambition to emerge as a crucial player in Africa’s energy, security, and development sectors, despite Guinea-Bissau’s status as one of the world’s poorest nations.

President Embaló’s visit follows his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where they focused on joint mining projects involving rare earth metals. This makes the visit’s timing particularly relevant, as it aligns with Azerbaijan’s recent accession to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme—a UN initiative aimed at ending conflict diamond funding.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev welcomed his counterpart warmly, referring to the visit as historic. He expressed a commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors, emphasizing the mutual support both nations can offer each other within international organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The current relationship revolves around diplomatic engagements facilitated through international organizations. Azerbaijan has also provided substantial assistance to Guinea-Bissau, exemplified by a $100,000 aid package during the COVID-19 pandemic. This foundation sets the stage for dynamic cooperation covering a broader array of sectors.

President Ilham Aliyev highlighted potential collaboration in defense and military sectors during his discussions with President Embaló. The visit included plans for Embaló to tour an Azerbaijani military facility, showcasing Azerbaijan’s willingness to share knowledge in the defense industry.

Guinea-Bissau, contending with governance issues, sees Azerbaijan as a supportive ally. President Embaló remarked on their shared global ideologies, reinforcing their commitment to enhancing cooperation in various areas such as health, education, and security.

Azerbaijan has made strategic moves to deepen ties with African nations since gaining independence. Its proactive foreign policy has fostered diplomatic relations with numerous countries across Africa, focusing on trade, energy, and investment, particularly in resource-rich nations.

Azerbaijani participation in Africa’s energy sector is expanding, with notable partnerships in countries such as the Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Nigeria. The observed growth in trade between Azerbaijan and African countries, which reached $335.79 million, indicates a flourishing economic relationship.

Guinea-Bissau has emerged as one of Azerbaijan’s key partners in West Africa, with the diplomatic relationship dating back to 1992. This relationship has grown significantly, particularly following recent visits by both countries’ officials aimed at solidifying diplomatic ties and exploring investment opportunities.

The juxtaposition of the recent visits of Guinea-Bissau’s president to Moscow and Baku signals shifting geopolitical interests in Africa. Azerbaijan’s involvement in this evolving landscape, particularly regarding rare earth minerals, could establish a significant strategic partnership moving forward. Emphasizing their commitment, President Embaló stated, “We are here today to renew our cooperation in many areas, including health, education, the military, and security.”

In conclusion, the recent visit of Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Moktar Sissoko Embaló to Azerbaijan highlights the strengthening ties between the two nations. This relationship reflects Azerbaijan’s growing role in African geopolitics and its commitment to collaborative efforts across various sectors, such as defense, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Through continued engagement, Azerbaijan and Guinea-Bissau are poised to enhance their diplomatic and economic cooperation significantly.

Original Source: www.azernews.az