Estonia Bolsters Ties With Azerbaijan, Signs Business Deals During Minister's Visit
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna recently concluded a significant visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, underscoring the strategic importance Estonia places on their bilateral relationship. The trip, marked by high-level meetings and business forums, further cemented ties between the two nations, with Estonia expressing its commitment to deepening economic cooperation in various sectors.
Tsahkna held talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, delving into crucial matters such as regional security, the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine. Estonia, a staunch supporter of Azerbaijan's ties with the EU and NATO, commended the progress in dialogue between Baku and Brussels.
The visit also bore fruit in the economic sphere. Estonian companies, including Fleetguru, signed agreements with Azerbaijani partners, marking their entry into the fleet management market. Estonia's commitment to economic cooperation was further demonstrated by Tsahkna leading a delegation of 15 companies, eager to strengthen ties in the economic and digital sectors. B.EST Solutions, a longstanding Estonian player in Azerbaijan, continues to contribute to digital governance and data protection in the country.
Notably, human rights and democracy were not explicitly addressed in official statements, raising questions about Estonia's policy towards Azerbaijan.
Tsahkna's visit to Baku underscored Estonia's strategic geopolitical interests in Azerbaijan, particularly in energy transit routes and economic partnerships. With a proposal to open a full-fledged embassy in Baku, Estonia signals its commitment to further bolstering their economic relationship. However, the absence of human rights and democracy in official discourse hints at a potential contradiction in Estonia's approach to its South Caucasus partner.
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