15th Anniversary Conference of AIDA and Memorandum of Understanding was Signed with TIKA in Baku

A conference was held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of AIDA.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov, Science and Education Minister Emin Amrullayev, Azerbaijan Citizens Service and Social Innovations State Agency (ASAN Service) Chairman Ülvi Mehdiyev, diplomatic mission representatives and many guests attended the conference.

TİKA President Abdullah Eren also took part in the event.

In his speech at the event, Bayramov said that the establishment of AIDA in 2011 was an important turning point in coordinating the country's humanitarian and development aid, sharing development experience and expanding international partnerships.

Stating that more than 140 countries have benefited from Azerbaijan's international aid within the scope of AIDA's 15-year activities, "Approximately 400 million dollars have been allocated through bilateral and multilateral aid since 2020." he said.

Bayramov stated that partnerships between development agencies are becoming increasingly important and said, "In this context, I am particularly pleased that a memorandum of understanding will be signed between AIDA and TIKA." he said.

Stating that the agreement in question will create a framework for closer cooperation between the two development agencies, sharing experience and exploring joint initiatives in partner countries, Bayramov said, "This is a natural reflection of the strategic relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey and our common determination to contribute to sustainable development beyond our borders." he said.

Türkiye and Azerbaijan will continue to bring their strengths to the global arena

TİKA President Eren also celebrated the 15th anniversary of AIDA in his speech.

Eren pointed out the importance of signing the memorandum of understanding between AIDA and TIKA and said, "This is much more than a formality. It is a commitment on paper to what we have been implementing in the field for a long time: joint programs, common expertise and coordinated action in our partner countries." he said.

Stating that this momentum will not be limited to the two agencies, Eren said that the development cooperation institutions of the Organization of Turkish States (TDT) member countries will come together in a special meeting later in the year.

Eren stated that the cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan is based on common foreign policy vision and strategic harmony, and drew attention to the "unshakable brotherhood" between the two countries.

Eren said, "The deep personal friendship, mutual trust and common ideals of our heads of state, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Ilham Aliyev, serve as the ultimate compass that guides our nations to progress." he said.

Emphasizing that Türkiye has decades of experience as one of the world's leading humanitarian aid providers, Eren said, "Turkey will continue to bring our common values ​​and different strengths to the global arena by joining hands with Azerbaijan, which is gradually increasing its influence." he said.

A new page in Türkiye-Azerbaijan friendship

After the conference, a memorandum of understanding was signed between TIKA and AIDA. The memorandum was signed by TIKA President Eren and Azerbaijan Deputy Foreign Minister Yalçın Refiyev.

Eren, in his statement to the press, said, "Today, we are opening a new page in Turkey-Azerbaijan friendship. At a time when crises are increasing, wars are taking place, and international security is becoming more and more sensitive, with the memorandum of understanding signed between TIKA and AIDA, we will carry out joint work first in friendly and brotherly geographies, and then throughout the world." he said.