Baku: On September 9, Sahil Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Finance, met with a World Bank delegation comprised of Rolande Pryce, Regional Director for the South Caucasus, and Sacha Backes, the Bank’s new Country Manager for Azerbaijan. The meeting focused on the current state and prospects of the long-term strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the World Bank. The sides also reviewed jointly implemented projects, ongoing reforms in public finance management, as well as opportunities to further expand cooperation.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Minister Sahil Babayev praised the World Bank’s continued support for Azerbaijan’s development priorities and reform agenda. He noted that this long-term partnership has significantly contributed to the country’s socio-economic progress, enhancing its institutional capacity, and supporting successful reforms across multiple sectors.
Discussions highlighted that the cooperation between Azerbaijan and the World Bank covers a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, energy, transport, agriculture, water management, employment, and institutional reforms. It was noted that to date, approximately $4.9 billion has been allocated for 53 projects since Azerbaijan joined the organization.
World Bank Regional Director Rolande Pryce emphasized the importance of the long-standing partnership between Azerbaijan and the World Bank, praising the country’s recent socio-economic achievements and reforms. She reaffirmed the World Bank’s readiness to continue supporting Azerbaijan’s development and reform agenda, as well as explore new avenues for cooperation.
Minister Sahil Babayev congratulated Sacha Backes on his new role as the World Bank’s Country Manager for Azerbaijan, wishing him success in his tenure. The minister expressed his confidence that Sacha Backes would make a valuable contribution to strengthening the partnership between Azerbaijan and the World Bank.