BAKU/APRIL 4 2024 (The Bulletin) — Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s president, hosted Denis Sassou Nguesso, president of the Republic of the Congo, in what analysts said was part of Azerbaijan’s pre-COP29 diplomatic push.

Although no major deals were signed, both leaders said that their meeting in Baku had laid the foundation for more bilateral cooperation, especially in the energy sector.

“We have had a wide exchange of views with you today on cooperation in energy and agriculture sectors, and still there is no difference of opinion,” said Mr Aliyev. “We look forward to working together on COP29 and thank you for your support.”

The visit by Mr Nguesso was a rare one by an African leader to Baku and highlights Mr Aliyev’s growing status  and also how Azerbaijan’s low key but expansive diplomatic push is paying off. 

In Africa, Azerbaijan has opened embassies in Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco and South Africa.

In power since 2003, analysts have said that Mr Aliyev has impressed other hardman leaders with his longevity and his defeat of ethnic Armenian forces over disputed land. Azerbaijan’s closeness with the Kremlin and gas trades with the EU, as well as its chairmanship of the COP29 environmental summit, have also given it kudos in certain circles.

“We have huge potential in the field of renewable energy, we have the sun all year round, and we can take advantage of Azerbaijan’s rich experience in this field,” said Mr Nguesso.

Mr Aliyev has been trying to woo African states for some time, carefully building relations.

He chaired the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 2019-2022, a Cold War-era talking shop that was favoured by African countries looking to balance the US and the USSR. 

During his tenure as NAM chairman, Mr Aliyev criticised France’s “neo-colonialism in Africa”, a dig linked to Paris’ support for Armenia.

ENDS

— This story was published in issue 564 of the Central Asia & South Caucasus Bulletin, on April 15 2024

— Copyright the Central Asia & South Caucasus Bulletin 2024