BAKU, Azerbaijan - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, transport, logistics and agriculture during talks in Baku on Oct. 26.
Aliyev described the visit as an opportunity to give fresh momentum to bilateral relations in political, diplomatic, economic and investment areas, according to reports by Report and APA. Berendsen said the Dutch government was interested in developing cooperation with Azerbaijan and saw opportunities to broaden bilateral ties.
The two officials discussed further development of trade and economic relations, including reciprocal visits by business delegations. Transport and logistics were also on the agenda, with particular attention to possible cooperation involving the Baku International Sea Trade Port.
Agriculture was identified as another promising area. The sides discussed how Dutch experience and technology could support Azerbaijani programs in the sector. The Netherlands already works with Azerbaijan in areas including greenhouse technology, seed production, horticulture, water management and livestock, according to the Dutch government’s country cooperation overview.
Evacuations and Regional Peace
Berendsen thanked Azerbaijan for helping evacuate Dutch citizens, including the Netherlands’ ambassador to Tehran and embassy staff, through Azerbaijani territory during unrest in the Middle East. The Dutch government said in March that it had temporarily relocated activities of its embassy in Iran to Baku because of increased risks to staff safety.
The foreign minister also praised what he called Aliyev’s personal role in promoting peace and stability in the South Caucasus. The two sides discussed the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process and further steps toward a durable peace settlement.
The trip was the first visit by a Dutch foreign minister to Azerbaijan in 12 years. Before the visit, Dutch Ambassador Marianne de Jong said Baku and The Hague were preparing a bilateral cooperation roadmap for 2026-2028 covering political and consular affairs, the economy, maritime affairs, logistics, agriculture, water management, research and culture, according to a Report interview.
No official announcement that the roadmap had been adopted was made immediately after the meeting.
Source: Vesti Baku