On 30 October, the 7th meeting of the Azerbaijan-Bulgaria Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was held in Sofia. 

Before the meeting, a bilateral meeting took place between the delegation led by the Azerbaijani co-chair of the intergovernmental commission, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov, and the Bulgarian co-chair of the commission, Minister of Energy Jecho Stankov. The meeting exchanged views on the directions of bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria; energy, transport, agriculture, technology transfer, increasing trade turnover, promoting mutual investments, using the advantages created by the Middle Corridor when exporting products to third countries, food security, environmental protection, labour and social protection, cooperation in the fields of health, culture, tourism, and other issues. It was noted that within the framework of the active cooperation between the two countries, dozens of agreements have already been signed - a clear sign of the sustainable development of relations.

Later, the 7th meeting of the Azerbaijan-Bulgaria Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation began its work. The meeting brought together representatives of state institutions from both countries in Sofia. The meeting, co-chaired by the Minister of Energy of Bulgaria Zhecho Stankov and the Minister of Agriculture of Azerbaijan Majnun Mammadov, discussed concrete steps to deepen bilateral cooperation. 
Co-chair of the Azerbaijan-Bulgaria Intergovernmental Commission, Minister of Energy Jecho Stankov noted that the Bulgarian side is interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan in all areas of mutual interest - trade and industry, investments, energy, transport, agriculture, defense, tourism, culture and other areas. Calling Azerbaijan a strategic economic partner of Bulgaria, Jecho Stankov emphasized that relations in energy sector play a key role in bilateral relations. "A key component in the relations between our countries is the energy sector, but we also identify a number of other opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation," said Minister Stankov. He highlighted the sectors of agriculture, transport, industry, defense industry and others as potential areas for deepening contacts. He added that Bulgaria attaches great importance to expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan, which identifies diversification of energy sources and routes as a priority direction. "The partnership between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan has a strategic dimension that will make our economies more competitive. The wide range of topics discussed and mutually beneficial projects is indicative of the results of the joint work," emphasized Minister Stankov. Co-chairs highlighted the significance of energy sector as the leading area of the partnership. Azerbaijani gas supplies cover approximately one third of consumption in Bulgaria and play a strategic role in energy security in the region. Bulgaria, which is among the first countries to support the key project for Europe, the Southern Gas Corridor, also confirmed its desire to participate in the initiatives for green corridors and the transfer of sustainable energy from the Caspian region. 
Co-chair of the Azerbaijan-Bulgaria Intergovernmental Commission, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov noted that relations between our countries have been successfully developing in all areas for 30 years, that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to expanding relations based on multifaceted cooperation with Bulgaria, and that there is great potential for the development of relations in all areas. The co-chair drew attention to the importance of further diversifying trade relations and increasing trade turnover, taking into account the economic potential of the two countries, and said that jointly organized business forums will allow for regular exchange of information on export-oriented competitive products.

The Minister touched upon the importance of eliminating the difficulties and bureaucratic obstacles associated with the export of Azerbaijani products, including agricultural products, to the European Union and third countries through Bulgaria. Majnun Mammadov called on businessmen of both countries to take the advantages of the favourable geographical positions and economic zones that Azerbaijan and Bulgaria enjoy for the export of products. 

During the meeting, high-level representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Energy, Agriculture, Economy, Culture, Science and Education, Labour and Social Protection of Population, Digital Development and Transport, Tourism from both sides, as well as the authorities from SOCAR, AZPROMO and Alat Free Economic Zone Authority made their comprehensive speeches, highlighting the specific aspects of cooperation in respective areas.
At the end of the meeting, the Protocol of the 7th meeting of the Azerbaijan-Bulgaria Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was signed. The document envisages further development of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, agriculture, food security, industry, energy, transport, information and communication technologies, scientific and technical and humanitarian, social, healthcare, environment and tourism. The final protocol also reflects the intention to further improve the legal and regulatory framework of bilateral relations between the two countries.

The parties agreed to hold the 8th meeting of the Azerbaijan-Bulgaria Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in Azerbaijan next year.