More than 140 countries have benefited from Azerbaijan’s international assistance over the past 15 years.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov made the remarks at a conference titled “Strengthening global solidarity through humanitarian assistance and cooperation for development,” held to mark the 15th anniversary of the Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA).
According to the Foreign Minister, the beneficiaries include all 54 African countries, 111 of the 121 participating countries of the Non-Aligned Movement, 52 of the 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, 43 of the 44 least developed countries and 28 of the 39 developing small island states.
“Since 2020, approximately $400 million in assistance has been allocated through bilateral and multilateral channels. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Azerbaijan provided assistance to 80 countries,” Bayramov said.
The minister noted that Azerbaijan’s cooperation with African countries has also included support for efforts to combat the Ebola epidemic and participation in the Alliance for the Prevention of Avoidable Blindness.
“As part of this initiative, more than 900,000 people underwent eye examinations and more than 150,000 cataract surgeries were performed. Work was also carried out to improve the qualifications of local medical professionals,” Bayramov said.
AIDA was established in 2011 under Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate the country’s international development assistance. Its activities focus on humanitarian aid, capacity building and cooperation with developing countries and international organizations.
