Azerbaijan interested in expanding cooperation with Romania in public finance

Azerbaijan is interested in expanding cooperation with Romania at the expert level in studying best practices from European Union reforms, Finance Minister Sahil Babayev said during a meeting with a delegation led by Advisor to President of Romania on Foreign Policy and National Security Marius Lazurca, who is visiting the country.

According to the Ministry of Finance, cited by Report, Babayev briefed the delegation on the reforms being carried out in Azerbaijan in the field of public financial management and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in fiscal governance, the modernization of public finance systems, and the digitalization of public services.

The meeting addressed the development of the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Romania, regional cooperation, energy security, the expansion of economic ties, and other issues of mutual interest.

Noting that relations between the two countries are based on strategic cooperation, mutual trust, and friendship, Babayev stressed that Romania is one of Azerbaijan's closest partners within the European Union. He also highly appreciated Romania's consistent support for Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Touching upon energy cooperation, the minister noted that Romania is among the importers of Azerbaijani natural gas and emphasized Azerbaijan's role as a reliable partner in strengthening Europe's energy security and diversifying energy sources. Particular attention was paid to the strategic importance of the Caspian Sea–Black Sea–Europe Green Energy Corridor project, which is expected to support long-term energy cooperation and green transition goals.

The reconstruction and restoration of Azerbaijan's territories liberated from occupation were also high on the agenda. The sides noted that landmine contamination remains one of the main humanitarian challenges in the post-conflict period and that humanitarian demining is critical for the safe return of residents, economic recovery, and the implementation of regional connectivity projects.

For his part, Marius Lazurca expressed satisfaction with the high level of strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Romania, stressing the importance of deepening political dialogue, expanding economic cooperation, and strengthening regional connectivity. He highly praised the role of both countries in enhancing links between the Caspian and Black Sea regions and highlighted the significance of the Middle Corridor as a reliable transport route connecting Asia and Europe.

The meeting also featured an extensive exchange of views on expanding cooperation in logistics, infrastructure, digital technologies, manufacturing, and renewable energy.