His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Excellency,
I would like to extend my congratulations on your re-election and would like to convey my best wishes for your next term as President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Under your leadership, I look forward to furthering the cooperation between the WTO and Azerbaijan, including through Azerbaijan’s pursuit of WTO membership. Azerbaijan returned to the negotiating table in 2023 to successfully reactivate its WTO accession process. Your leadership and guidance will be essential as Azerbaijan seeks to close the remaining gaps, which is achievable within 2 to 3 years.
Azerbaijan’s accession is of great interest for the WTO and the global economy given its strategic geographic location connecting Europe and Asia. Azerbaijan’s accession will also help Azerbaijan diversify its economy and promote greater coherence in trade relations among regional partners in the Caucasus and Central Asia.
As the host of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), Azerbaijan will play a key role in multilateral cooperation in 2024. I look forward to cooperating with Azerbaijan and building on the achievements of COP28 where trade featured as a specific thematic day in recognition of its role in global climate change mitigation. I hope that Azerbaijan will have a Trade Day at COP29 and the WTO secretariat stands ready to support you in making it a success.
I wish to assure you of the WTO’s commitment to strengthen international cooperation and supporting Azerbaijan as it pursues deeper integration in the multilateral trading system.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Director-General of the World Trade Organization
Dear Conference participants,
Today marks a milestone for the Global South. Representatives from over 100 prominent non-governmental organizations, civil society have gathered to establish the first-ever Global South NGO Platform.
We are delighted that last...
28 April 2025, 10:08Dear Mr. President,
We are deeply saddened by the news of the loss of lives and numerous injuries caused by the explosion at the Shahid Rajaee Port in the city of Bandar Abbas.
On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my heartfelt condolences to...
27 April 2025, 16:50Dear Mr. President,
On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my sincerest congratulations and best wishes to you and, through you, to all your people on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of South Africa – Freedom...
27 April 2025, 10:47Dear Mr. President,
On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I sincerely congratulate you and, through you, all your people on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Sierra Leone – Independence Day.
On this festive occasion, I...
27 April 2025, 10:45On April 26, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, made a phone call to Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The heads of state discussed matters pertaining to the further strengthening of the friendship, strategic...
26 April 2025, 13:00