Bilateral Meetings Held Within the Skills Summit
Within the Skills Summit on “Uncovering Intergenerational Talent” (Istanbul), the head of the Azerbaijani delegation, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population Anar Aliyev, held a series of bilateral meetings.
During the meeting with Wang Xiaoping, Minister of Human Resources and Social Security of the People’s Republic of China, it was emphasized that the comprehensive strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China provides a strong foundation for the development of cooperation in the fields of labour and social protection. Information was presented on Azerbaijan’s active employment programmes and the establishment of digital labour market governance systems in recent years. The sides reviewed opportunities for establishing a legal framework for cooperation between the two ministries, implementing joint pilot projects, and enhancing collaboration in technical workforce training.
At the meeting between Anar Aliyev and Luka Mesec, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities of Slovenia, discussions focused on the development of bilateral relations. It was noted that the protocol of the Azerbaijan–Slovenia Joint Working Group on Economic Cooperation, held in Baku last year, also envisaged cooperation in labour and social protection. The parties discussed possible steps in this direction, as well as the potential for Azerbaijani labour force access to the Slovenian labour market, taking into account Slovenia’s status as a labour-importing country.
During the meeting with Vedat Işıkhan, Minister of Labour and Social Security of the Republic of Türkiye, Anar Aliyev emphasized that relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye are at the level of brotherhood and strategic alliance. It was noted that cooperation between the ministries continues at a high level. The importance of the first meeting of the Ministers of Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Organization of Turkic States held in Baku last year, as well as the 12th meeting of the Joint Standing Commission on Cooperation in Labour and Social Protection held in Ankara, was highlighted. It was noted that regular meetings significantly contribute to the expansion of relations, and views were exchanged on future cooperation.
Anar Aliyev also met with Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk, Director General of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC). The importance of the cooperation agreement signed in 2023 between the Ministry and SESRIC was emphasized in terms of strengthening institutional relations and defining the legal and methodological framework for joint activities. In line with this document, the work carried out under the 2025–2027 Action Plan was reviewed, and future research cooperation was discussed.
During the meeting with Diana Johnson, UK Minister for Employment, information was provided on measures to expand active labour market programmes in Azerbaijan and the widespread application of digital solutions in the fields of labour and employment. The sides discussed the expansion of the legal and contractual framework for cooperation, development of relations, exchange of experience, as well as the potential export of Azerbaijani labour force to specific sectors of the UK labour market. Confidence was expressed that the meeting would contribute to the further development of cooperation in these areas.
