Press release of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in India regarding the visit to Kathmandu, Nepal on October 3-7, 2023
On October 3-7 2023, H.E. Dr. Ashraf Shikhaliyev, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to India, visited Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. During the visit, meetings were held with senior officials of Nepal, including Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shreshtha, Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud, Advisor to the Prime Minister Haribol Prasad Gajurel and Director General of the Immigration Bureau Rudra Singh Tamang.
During the meetings, issues on the agenda of Azerbaijan-Nepal bilateral and multilateral cooperation were disscused. Ambassador geve detailed information about recent events in the South Caucasus region. It was noted that on September 19, 2023 two civilians and four policemen were killed as a result of mine explosions buried by the Armenian sabotage groups, which were illegally stationed in the territories of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan implemented local anti-terrorist measures in its sovereign territory in full compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law. As a result of measures that lasted for less than 24 hours, the illegal armed units deployed by Armenia in our country surrendered and all military operations were stoped.
During local anti-terrorist measures, only illegal military formations and military infrastructure were targeted, civilians and objects were not hit, and this fact was recorded by representatives of the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross who visited the region. Immediately after the operation, initiatives related to the reintegration of Armenian residents living in the Karabakh region into our society were put forward, and meetings were held between representatives of the Armenian community living in Karabakh and representatives of the central government of Azerbaijan. In addition, it was noted that Azerbaijan provided appropriate assistance to meet the social and humanitarian needs of Armenian residents living in Karabakh. It was pointed out that the Armenian residents left the territory of Azerbaijan on the basis of their voluntary and individual decision, appropriate conditions were created for this, and this step had nothing to do with any forced displacement.
While discussing issues of bilateral cooperation with Nepal, one of the possible areas was public service, including the sharing of ASAN Service experience. During the meetings, Ambassador A.Shikhaliyev made presentations about the ASAN Service model and stated that the State Agency for Citizen Service and Social Innovations or ASAN Service under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan was established in 2012 at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It was noted that more than 400 different services are provided for citizens in ASAN Service centers, which include many state and private institutions. Just three years after its establishment, in 2015, ASAN Service was awarded the prestigious UN Public Service Award, and after that, the institution expanded its range of services and implemented ASAN Visa, mobile ASAN Service, ABAD and other important initiatives.
The other party was informed about the service centers established in the regions based on the "ASAN Life" concept, and the advantages of the mobile ASAN Service model in remote places, taking into account the mountainous geography of Nepal, were discussed. Taking into account that the world's population is constantly increasing, the other side was informed about the concept of self-employment of people presented by ABAD in terms of opening new jobs. Taking into account the importance of the tourism sector in Nepal's economy, a presentation was made on the benefits of the ASAN Visa model to promote the growth of the tourist flow. In order to improve the level of service, it was emphasized that the level of satisfaction of citizens in ASAN Service centers is constantly recorded and currently the level of satisfaction is 99%.
Giving detailed information about the ASAN Service, Ambassador noted that as a result of the measures implemented in Azerbaijan related to digital management, the livelihood of the population has become much easier, as well as a significant contribution has been made to the development of the economy. It has been brought to the attention of the Nepali side that the Azerbaijani side is ready to share its positive experience with friendly Nepal.
Other issues of mutual interest were discussed during the meetings.
