The first-ever political consultation between the ministries of foreign affairs of Nepal and Azerbaijan was held in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Elnur Mammadov led their respective delegations to the meeting.

In the meeting, the two sides reviewed the overall aspect of Nepal-Azerbaijan relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening these ties in the days to come, said a foreign ministry spokesperson.

Matters of mutual interest, including bilateral cooperation and collaboration in regional and international forums, also figured in the meeting.

“Both sides discussed the ways and means of further enhancing bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, tourism and culture, education, climate change and clean energy, among others,” said the statement. The two sides also discussed establishing a bilateral consultation mechanism between the foreign ministries for regular dialogue on further strengthening ties.

Following the meeting, Foreign Secretary Rai hosted a dinner in honour of Mammadov and his delegation.

During his visit to Nepal, Mammadov is scheduled to call on high-level dignitaries. He will also participate in a roundtable discussion being organised by the Investment Board Nepal and deliver a lecture on Azerbaijan’s foreign policy in a separate function. He is scheduled to meet President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, among other Nepali officials.

Mammadov and his delegation will depart from Kathmandu on Saturday.