The Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom, Mr. Mutallim Mirzayev, affirmed the depth of the strategic relations that unite his country and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, noting the strong convergence and shared vision between the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the main themes of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) hosted by the capital, Baku.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency, Ambassador Mirzayev praised the fruitful cooperation between the two countries in various vital sectors, including the economy, energy, investment, tourism, culture, and humanitarian issues. He expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia's continued support for Azerbaijan, emphasizing the Kingdom's leading role on the regional and international stages under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister.
Historical background and growing relationships
Diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan date back to 1992, following Azerbaijan's independence. Since then, relations have witnessed remarkable development across all sectors. The Kingdom was among the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan's independence and has consistently supported its sovereignty and territorial integrity in international forums. This historic stance has formed a solid foundation for a strategic partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and coordinated positions within international organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Vision 2030 and the Urban Forum: Intersecting Goals
Ambassador Mirzayev explained that “there is a strong and natural alignment between the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the main themes of the World Urban Forum in Baku, especially in the areas of sustainable urban development, smart infrastructure, innovation, environmental sustainability, and improving the quality of life.”.
is Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030an ambitious roadmap for transforming the Kingdom’s economy and society. The vision includes mega-urban projects such as NEOM, The Line, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Project, which aim not only to build new cities but also to redefine urban living and set new global standards for sustainability, technology, and quality of life—a goal that directly aligns with the objectives of the United Nations World Urban Forum.
The importance of the forum and its international impact
The World Urban Forum (WUF) is the leading international platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities of rapid urbanization. The Ambassador welcomed the Kingdom's participation in the 13th session, which brings together governments, international organizations, urban planners, investors, and academics to discuss the future of cities. He stated that the forum will focus on vital topics such as climate change adaptation, affordable housing, smart cities, green infrastructure, and digital transformation.
Baku's hosting of this global event not only reflects growing international confidence in Azerbaijan but also reinforces its position as a hub for international dialogue and cooperation. On the international stage, the Kingdom's participation, sharing its expertise and pioneering experiences in major projects, enriches the global discussion on the cities of the future and offers practical models that can be applied globally, thus enhancing the Kingdom's soft power and its influence in shaping the future of global urban development.
