On February 25, Anar Karimov, Azerbaijan’s First Deputy Minister of Finance, met with Nataly Mouravidze, Head of the Resident Office of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the country.

The meeting focused on the progress of key projects, which are set to be formalized and signed, as well as priority areas in water management and urban infrastructure.

Karimov described EBRD as one of Azerbaijan’s important partners in fostering private sector development, strengthening urban infrastructure, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing public service delivery. He underscored the strategic importance of the ongoing projects, which will proceed in phases, in line with the principles of fiscal sustainability and effective financing mechanisms.

The Azerbaijani deputy minister stressed that the projects underway in Ganja and Sheki are not only crucial for improving urban infrastructure and water supply to local populations but are also critical for raising environmental standards and enhancing the efficiency of municipal services.

Highlighting the long-term cooperation with Azerbaijan, Nataly Mouravidze underlined the importance of accelerating the implementation of water management and urban infrastructure. She also expressed EBRD’s keenness to enhance cooperation in green energy, climate financing, and expansion of technical support mechanisms.

The meeting also addressed the large-scale water infrastructure program for the Baku-Absheron region and its financing mechanisms, as well as other issues of shared interest.