Azerbaijan–Malaysia relations

Azerbaijan-Malaysia relations

Azerbaijan	Malaysia
Diplomatic mission
Embassy of Azerbaijan, Kuala Lumpur	Embassy of Malaysia, Baku
Envoy
Ambassador Irfan Davudov	Ambassador Ahmad Kamrizamil Bin Mohd Riza

Foreign relations exist between Azerbaijan and Malaysia. Azerbaijan has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur, while Malaysia has an embassy in Baku. Both countries are members of the Group of 77. Relations are close because the both countries are both secular Muslim-majority states with an increasing number of Christians.

History

Recognition and Establishment

Malaysia recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan on 31 December 1991, shortly after Azerbaijan declared its independence from the Soviet Union. The formal establishment of full diplomatic relations between the two countries occurred on 5 April 1993.

Development of Bilateral Relations

Since establishing diplomatic relations, Malaysia and Azerbaijan have engaged in various activities to strengthen their ties. Both countries have exchanged high-level visits and collaborated on international and regional issues. Azerbaijan opened its embassy in Kuala Lumpur in June 2007, while Malaysia established its embassy in Baku on 1 April 2014. [1]

Economic Cooperation

Economic ties between Malaysia and Azerbaijan have shown significant potential. In 2011, bilateral trade amounted to approximately US$2.5 billion, with Malaysia being a notable investor in Azerbaijan. Malaysian exports to Azerbaijan include petrochemical products, palm oil, and electronics, while Azerbaijan exports crude oil and food products to Malaysia (Azeri Observer). The diversification of Azerbaijan’s economy, especially in non-oil sectors like tourism, ICT, and renewable energy, presents opportunities for further collaboration. Malaysian businesses are particularly interested in these sectors and are encouraged to invest in Azerbaijan’s dynamic economic landscape.[2]

Cultural and Educational Exchange

Cultural and educational exchanges are essential components of Malaysia-Azerbaijan relations. Both countries have organized cultural events and student exchange programs to promote mutual understanding. Cooperation in higher education, such as joint training and research, has been encouraged. Direct flights between the two countries are anticipated to boost tourism and educational exchanges, further strengthening people-to-people ties [3].

Economic relations

In 2012, the total export from Malaysia to Azerbaijan stood at US$14.15 million, with fuel and chemical components being the largest contributors at US$4.1 million and palm oil at US$3.3 million. In the same year, around 290 Malaysians travelled to Azerbaijan for business and work, especially in the petrochemical sector, while there were some 50 Azerbaijani citizens in Malaysia who were mostly students and also in the business sector. The Malaysian cargo airlines also has chosen Azerbaijan as its main transit hub.

Imports and exports

Imports of Azerbaijan

Year	Amount Thousands of USD
2020	68 843,26
2021	76 539,56
2022	54 537,88

Exports of Azerbaijan

Year	Amount Thousands of USD
2020	60 658,28
2021	512,74
2022	38 889,16

Diplomacy

Republic of Azerbaijan

• Kuala Lumpur (Embassy)

Malaysia

• Baku (Embassy)

See also

• Foreign relations of Azerbaijan
• Foreign relations of Malaysia
• Immigration to Malaysia
• Azerbaijani diaspora

External links

• Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Malaysia
• Embassy of Malaysia to Azerbaijan
• Bilateral relations
• Bilateral relations
• History
• Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre For Arbitration (KLRCA) Azerbaijan Arbitration and Mediation Center
• Azerbaijan-Malaysia Relations Archived 4 January 2014 at the Wayback Machine Azerbaijan Arbitration and Mediation Center