At the bilateral meeting, Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Rashad Nabiyev noted that independent Azerbaijan became a member of the world space family thanks to successful satellite projects initiated and led by His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev.

"As a result, such an important event as the International Astronautical Congress will be hosted by Baku again after half a century," highlighted Mr. Nabiyev during the meeting.

It was emphasized that this event, along with Azerbaijan, will provide an invaluable opportunity for neighboring countries, including non-IAF member states, to integrate more closely into the global space industry.

Professor Pascale Ehrenfreund, President of the International Astronautical Federation thanked Azercosmos for strong cooperation and stated: “I am positive that the IAC 2023 will mark an important time in Azerbaijan’s footprints in the space arena and will help to establish Azerbaijan as one of the driving forces of the global space industry.”

In the frame of the meeting, an official signing ceremony was conducted between Azercosmos and the International Astronautical Federation to host the International Astronautical Congress in Baku from 25 – 29 September 2023.

After the signing ceremony, a media conference was organized to officially distribute information and answer questions from the media with the participation of the Minister and theIAF.

It was pointed out that the International Astronautical Federation is working more closely with the world's leading partners of space agencies, companies and organizations. The Federationhas established closer ties with the world's leading partners of space agencies, companies and organizations, accelerated the transfer of space technology to the region, developed human capital, as well as Azerbaijan’s reputation as a "regional space center" and reliable partner. Azerbaijan will also make a significant contribution to contribute to expanding the mutual cooperations.

It is worth mentioning that in 2019, at the General Assembly of the International Astronautical Federation in Washington, DC, Baku won the right to host the International Astronautical Congress in 2023. Singapore, Rio de Janeiro, and New Delhi wereamong the competing candidate cities to host this prestigious event.