Azerbaijan Ambassador commends Ethiopia’s advances in digital governance, reaffirms commitment to deepen cooperation

Addis Ababa, May 27, 2025 (FMC) – The Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Ethiopia, Ruslan Nasibov, has praised Ethiopia’s rapid progress in digital governance, underscoring the strong and expanding partnership between the two countries.

Speaking at Azerbaijan’s Independence Day celebration held in Addis Ababa, Ambassador Nasibov highlighted the multifaceted cooperation, historic ties, and shared aspirations that continue to strengthen bilateral relations.

Ambassador Nasibov pointed to the successful implementation of Ethiopia’s Mesob One Stop Service Center as a landmark achievement which is said to be similar with Azerbaijan’s own ASAN Service, a globally recognized model of digital governance.

“The launch and swift operationalization of the Mesob One Stop Service Center demonstrate Ethiopia’s commitment and readiness to modernize public services,” he said, noting that knowledge transfer between the two countries has been active since the signing of key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on public service reform and digital collaboration.

He explained that Azerbaijan’s ASAN Service—established in 2013 under strong political will—has revolutionized the delivery of multiple public services by enhancing transparency, reducing corruption, and improving citizen satisfaction.

Ambassador Nasibov expressed confidence that, as Ethiopians become more familiar with the Mesob One Stop Service Center’s services, the system will gain widespread trust and usage.

He congratulated the Ethiopian government and people on this milestone.

Reflecting on the broader bilateral relationship, Ambassador Nasibov recalled the rich historical and cultural links between Ethiopia and Azerbaijan, citing the legacy of Mujiraddin Beylaqani, a 12th-century poet born to an Azerbaijani father and Ethiopian mother, as a symbol of enduring people-to-people ties.

Since establishing diplomatic relations on November 2, 1992, and opening the Azerbaijani Embassy in Addis Ababa in 2015, the two countries have institutionalized their cooperation through regular political consultations.

The third round of such consultations was held in Addis Ababa in January 2025, focusing on sectors including agriculture, mining, ICT, manufacturing, and the green economy.

Economic cooperation has deepened with the signing of agreements such as the February 2025 Memorandum of Understanding between the Azerbaijan Investment Holding and Ethiopian Investment Holding, promoting joint initiatives and technology exchange to enhance state enterprise management.

In addition, a December 2024 collaboration between Ethiopia’s Dire Dawa Free Trade Zone and Azerbaijan’s Alat Free Economic Zone aims to streamline trade and implement single-window services.

In an exclusive interview with Fana Media Corporation, Ambassador Nasibov also touched upon Azerbaijan’s experience as a landlocked country and the strategic importance of regional connectivity.

He highlighted Azerbaijan’s investments in infrastructure and cooperation with neighboring states to access international waters, drawing parallels to the Horn of Africa region’s potential for enhanced maritime and trade cooperation.

“The cooperation between Azerbaijan and African countries, including Ethiopia, reflects a shared commitment to harness natural resources and human capital for sustainable development,” the Ambassador noted.

He further reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s readiness to expand partnerships with African nations across multiple areas.

Ambassador Nasibov emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration, stating, “Only through joint efforts can we achieve our common goals and continue the successful trajectory of our bilateral relations.”

The National Day celebration in Addis Ababa brought together senior Ethiopian government officials, ambassadors of various countries, heads of multilateral organizations, and members of the diplomatic community, underscoring the deepening ties between Ethiopia and Azerbaijan as they continue to build on a foundation of historical friendship and forward-looking cooperation.