On January 15-16, 2025, a government mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev, visited the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to expand bilateral cooperation in political, economic, humanitarian, and other areas between the two countries, Report informs, citing Azerbaijan’s MFA.

During the visit, Yalchin Rafiyev met with Alemtsehay Paulos, Head of the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s Office, Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe, Minister of Agriculture Girme Amente, as well as the heads of the Ethiopian Investment Commission and Ethiopian Investment Holdings. Rafiyev also viewed the country's industrial parks and infrastructure projects.

During the meetings, it was emphasized that the discussions during the meeting of Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the COP29 Leaders' Summit in Baku opened a new page and set a roadmap for the development of cooperation between the two countries.

Specific areas of cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, education, and other fields were also discussed, and it was agreed to establish a legal framework and working groups in relevant areas. The necessity of organizing mutual trade missions and business forums was noted. It was expressed with satisfaction that service centers for citizens in Ethiopia are being established based on Azerbaijan's successful ASAN service concept in this field, and intensive work continues in this regard.

Within the framework of the visit, the 3rd political consultation meeting between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia was held. The political consultations were led by Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev from Azerbaijan and State Minister of Foreign Affairs Mesganu Arga Moach from Ethiopia. During the political consultations, bilateral political and economic issues, cooperation within the UN, Non-Aligned Movement, and other international organizations were discussed.

The government mission included representatives from Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Agriculture, the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASAN Service), AZPROMO, Azerbaijan Investment Holding, and SOCAR.