FM Bayramov meets new Indian ambassador to Baku, discusses ties, regional issues

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov received Abhay Kumar, the newly appointed Ambassador of India to Baku, Report informs, citing the MFA.

The meeting discussed the current state of existing relations between Azerbaijan and India and prospects for development were.

The parties noted that the mechanism of political consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs would be beneficial in terms of discussing cooperation issues as well as matters of disagreement between the two countries.

During the meeting, it was stated that historical relations between the countries form the foundation of ties, and satisfaction was expressed regarding the availability of direct flights, as well as the development of cooperation in the fields of tourism and education.

Touching upon cooperation in the energy sector, it was noted that India's ONGC Videsh company holding a stake in Azerbaijan's Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) block of fields and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline is one of the important directions of bilateral economic relations.

During the meeting, concern was also expressed over the existing tensions in the Middle East. The Indian ambassador expressed deep gratitude on behalf of his country to the Azerbaijani side for the support provided during the evacuation of Indian citizens from Iranian territory.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov congratulated the ambassador on his new appointment and wished him success in his diplomatic activities.

Ambassador Abhay Kumar expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and particularly emphasized his intention to contribute to the expansion of Azerbaijan-India relations in all directions during his tenure.