Kenya Strengthens Ties With Azerbaijan As New Embassy Opens In Nairobi

     By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

Azerbaijan has officially launched its embassy headquarters in Nairobi, marking a milestone in its diplomatic journey with Kenya.

The opening ceremony, held on June 3, 2025, aligned with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The event drew the attendance of Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, both of whom emphasized the importance of the move in boosting cooperation between their countries.

Mudavadi expressed Kenya’s eagerness to broaden collaboration with Azerbaijan, pointing to the recent bilateral political discussions in Nairobi as a foundation for future engagement.

Topics tackled included trade, agriculture, energy, education, security, and international partnerships.

He also noted Kenya’s readiness to push forward with previously discussed commitments, such as concluding outstanding agreements and initiating new partnerships in technology, education, and defense.

Bayramov praised Kenya’s supportive diplomatic environment, crediting it for enabling Azerbaijan’s diplomatic presence to thrive since first setting up its mission in 2023.

He highlighted areas like youth empowerment and cultural exchange as promising fronts for enhanced cooperation.

During earlier talks, the two leaders addressed global issues, especially climate change. Mudavadi commended Azerbaijan for hosting COP-29 in Baku and encouraged Azerbaijani support for Kenya’s ambition to host the Global Plastics Treaty Secretariat in Nairobi.

Additionally, Kenya extended an invitation to Azerbaijan to co-sponsor two proposals one on Artificial Intelligence and another linking sports and environmental protection at the upcoming United Nations Environment Assembly set for December 2025 in Nairobi.

Mudavadi also confirmed Kenya’s tt at the 13th World Urban Forum scheduled for 2026 in Baku, aiming to foster shared learning on sustainable urban planning.

The visit concluded with Bayramov meeting President William Ruto at State House, where he delivered an official invitation for a state visit to Azerbaijan.