Egypt, Azerbaijan Ink Broad Economic Cooperation Protocol Covering 12 Key Sectors

Egypt and Azerbaijan inked a wide-ranging cooperation protocol on Monday, expanding bilateral collaboration across 12 economic and development sectors, including trade, investment, energy, agriculture, ICT, tourism, culture, education, health and the environment.

The agreement was finalized during the closing session of the sixth meeting of the Egypt–Azerbaijan Joint Committee, co-chaired in Cairo by Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev, with broad participation from both governments and the private sector.

Al-Mashat said the two countries agreed to strengthen investment cooperation through a 2026–2027 action plan between Egypt’s General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) and Azerbaijan’s export and investment promotion agency. The plan will focus on investor services, investment mapping and promotion, the development of free zones, and support for entrepreneurship.

The protocol also activates cooperation in electricity and renewable energy under a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2024. Priority areas include renewable energy projects, energy efficiency, battery storage technologies, and joint work in oil, gas and petrochemicals.

In addition, the document outlines collaboration in agriculture, food security and sustainable farming, including water management and agricultural research. It also enhances cooperation in ICT and logistics, with particular emphasis on freight transport between Egypt, Central Asia and China through the ports of Baku and Alexandria.

Tourism is another focal point. Both sides agreed to mutual participation in tourism fairs and to take steps to increase the number of Azerbaijani tourists visiting Egypt, especially following the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. The protocol further includes cooperation on antiquities exhibitions and museum training programs.

Cultural and educational exchanges will expand as well, covering creative industries, academic research, youth and sports programs, public health and health insurance.

Al-Mashat noted that Egypt and Azerbaijan will continue coordinating on climate initiatives linked to COP27, held in Sharm El-Sheikh, and COP29, scheduled to take place in Baku next year.

Numerous ministries and government agencies from both countries took part in the committee’s work, reflecting the growing momentum in Egypt–Azerbaijan relations.