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AIDIA invites Azerbaijan to invest in hydropower

Kathmandu: The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) founder Sunil KC requested COP29 Presidency and Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues Mukhtar Babayev to invest in hydropower in Nepal.

During the meeting with the visiting delegation from Azerbaijan led by Babayev, KC also suggested to increase bilateral economic relations to benefit both the countries.

During the meeting they also delved into the possibility of direct fertilizer import from Azerbaijan as Nepal depends hugely on imported fertilizer to support its agrarian economy.

KC, highlighting Nepal’s development in green energy, suggested the visiting dignitary to host Nepali hydro experts and exchange knowledge. “Azerbaijan is planning to extract 30 percent of electricity needs from renewal sources including hydro, solar and wind power by 2030, and Nepal’s expertise could be for Azerbaijan’s benefit,” Babayev said, in response.

Babayev also explained Azerbaijan’s policy to promote clean energy as its national agenda and transition to greener energy.

“The fundamental of all relation is a good business relation,” Babayev said, adding that more the business and economic relations, stronger the bilateral relations. “I am happy to meet private sector and business people, apart from government officials.”

During the meeting at the sidelines of Sagarmatha Sambaad, the flagship event hosted by the government, they also discussed on various possibilities of business and trade engagement between the two countries, and future collaboration with AIDIA. “They also a discussed about the ample possibilities for cooperation between Nepal and Azerbaijan in areas such as energy infrastructure, hydropower, and tourism promotion,” a press release issued by the AIDIA stated.

Babyev is in Nepal as a keynote speaker in the first edition of Sagarmatha Sambaad.