ANTALYA — Burkina Faso is considering strengthening its ties with Azerbaijan, focusing on sectors such as hydrocarbons, defense, and higher education, amid the diplomatic forum organized by Turkey in Antalya.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, the head of Burkinabe diplomacy, held discussions with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Djeyhoun Baïramov, aimed at bolstering the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

The talks, as part of the efforts to increase diplomatic engagement, led to an agreement on prioritizing the signing of a Framework Cooperation Agreement to facilitate closer relations. The communications service of the Burkinabe Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that this agreement would serve as a basis for expanding cooperation across various sectors, including hydrocarbons, gas, and defense, as well as in the realm of higher education.

Minister Traoré also extended his congratulations to Djeyhoun Baïramov on his recent reappointment following the presidential election in Azerbaijan on February 7, 2024. Azerbaijan, a country rich in oil and natural gas, is strategically located next to the Caspian Sea and shares borders with Russia, Iran, and Armenia, with whom it has ongoing conflicts. The nation’s capital is Baku, and it spans an area of 86,600 square kilometers.