On November 14, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Ali Asadov welcomed Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda for high-level talks reviewing decades of financial and technical collaboration, exploring new projects in railways, metro systems, water supply, and renewable energy, and officially launching a $2.5 billion Country Partnership Strategy through 2029 to strengthen Azerbaijan’s regional connectivity and economic growth.

Meeting with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Masato Kanda to discuss ongoing cooperation and new partnership prospects. Both sides emphasized the productive and long-standing collaboration between Azerbaijan and the ADB, highlighting the steady implementation of joint initiatives. It was noted that since 1999 the ADB had extended $5.5 billion in financial support to Azerbaijan through 145 loans, grants, and technical-assistance projects. The conversation also touched upon the recent progress made in Washington toward advancing the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia, with both parties stating that these developments opened new opportunities for expanding regional transport and transit capabilities.

Meeting with the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan

In a separate meeting, Ali Asadov briefed Kanda on programs for the restoration and economic revival of territories liberated from occupation and outlined the investment potential of those regions. The parties reviewed cooperation opportunities within the 2025–2029 Country Partnership Strategy, with discussions covering metro expansion, railway modernization, water supply enhancement, and other promising bilateral projects.

Kanda's Remarks

Kanda later announced that the ADB had officially launched its new Country Partnership Strategy for Azerbaijan, stating, "With new financing requests, ADB is prepared to invest up to $2.5 billion through 2029. We will work closely with the government to advance renewable energy, modernize rail and metro systems, and strengthen private sector growth". Kanda reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Azerbaijan’s growing regional role, stating that the ADB was working with the government and private sector to advance investments in "smart mobility infrastructure, renewable energy, digitalization, and skills development," all aimed at strengthening Azerbaijan’s position as a key link between Central Asia and Europe.