Baku, Kabul discuss boosting ICT cooperation
By Nigar Orujova
Considerable work has been done in the field of communication and information technologies in Afghanistan with the support from Azerbaijan, Afghan Deputy Minister of ICT Aimal Marjan said in Baku.
He made the remarks at the third meeting of the Azerbaijani-Afghan Working Group for Cooperation in the field of ICT in Baku.
The meeting was held as part of a project titled "Establishment of e-government in Afghanistan".
The Afghan official thanked the Azerbaijani side on behalf of his country and emphasized on Kabul's interest in continuing cooperation with Baku. He also expressed confidence that important results will be achieved in the near future on the topics discussed.
During the meeting, reports were heard on the work carried out by relevant ministries of both countries and Azerbaijani company SINAM LTD.
After that, the sides exchanged views on the current needs of the ICT sector in Afghanistan, the potential participation of Azerbaijan in this country's ICT sector and other issues.
The possibility of investing in the ICT sector of Afghanistan, the organization of trainings on IT-specialties within IT-University established in Azerbaijan were also discussed during the meeting.
Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technologies Elmir Velizadeh noted cooperation between Azerbaijan and Afghanistan is developing in all spheres, including in the field of ICT.
Velizadeh considered the work done so far satisfactory and added the ministry will further continue providing the necessary assistance.
Afghanistan has repeatedly expressed interest in cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of ICT. Taking into account Azerbaijan's achievements in e-governance, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Country Offices in Azerbaijan and Afghanistan have reached an agreement to provide assistance to Afghanistan.