Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

The first meeting of the Azerbaijan-Afghanistan Working Group was held at Azerbaijan's Communication and Information Technology Ministry on August 30.

The meeting held under the project on "The establishment of E-Governance in Azerbaijan" discussed cooperation between the two countries, outlined Afghanistan's current needs in ICT field, and identified focus areas and future events on related issue.

The Afghan delegation headed by Barialai Hassam, Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technologies, is on a visit to Azerbaijan to attend the first Meeting of the Working Group on cooperation in the field of ICT between the two countries.

The purpose of the meeting which will end on September 3 is to discuss Azerbaijan's potential involvement in the development of Afghanistan's ICT sector, Afghanistan's current needs in ICT field, identification of focus areas and projects to be implemented in Afghanistan.

In the framework of the visit, Afghan Delegation will meet with Azerbaijnl's Deputy ICT Minister Elmir Velizadeh, Ashraf Shikhaliyev, Director of Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA) and Nato Alhazishvili, Deputy Resident Representative of UN Development Programme (UNDP) Azerbaijan.

The Working Group consisting of ICT ministries of Azerbaijan and Afghanistan, AIDA, and UNDP Country Offices in both countries was established as a result of a visit of high level Afghan officials led by Amirzai Sangin, Afghan Communications and Information Technology Minister on June 9-15, 2013.

UNDP Country Offices in Azerbaijan and Afghanistan agreed to facilitate Azerbaijan's assistance to Afghanistan in the field of E-Governance.

In 2012, AIDA allocated $150.000 in support of development assistance to Afghanistan through UNDP. This initiative highlights Azerbaijan's commitment as an active participant in the solution of regional and global challenges. This cooperation helps Azerbaijan play a significant role in promoting stability and economic development in Afghanistan.