WCO Secretary General pays official visit to Azerbaijan

On 13 July, the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Ian Saunders, arrived in the Republic of Azerbaijan on an official visit.

As part of the visit, Secretary General Ian Saunders first paid tribute to the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, by laying a wreath at his grave in the Alley of Honour.

He also honoured the memory of the distinguished ophthalmologist and academician Zarifa Aliyeva, laying fresh flowers at her grave.

The Secretary General then visited the Alley of Martyrs, where he honoured the memory of the heroic sons and daughters of Azerbaijan who sacrificed their lives for the country's independence and territorial integrity, and laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame Memorial.

During the meeting held at the State Customs Committee, the parties expressed satisfaction with the long-standing and productive cooperation between the World Customs Organization and the Customs Service of Azerbaijan, and exchanged views on prospects for further expanding bilateral relations. The Secretary General was provided with comprehensive presentations on the recent digital transformation of the customs service, including artificial intelligence-based solutions, innovative projects and modern management approaches.

Following the meeting, Secretary General Ian Saunders visited the Targeting Centre of the State Customs Committee, where he was briefed through presentations on the operations of the Virtual Monitoring Centre, the Passenger Risk Management System, as well as the electronic control systems for goods and means of transport.

Secretary General Ian Saunders also addressed an audience of customs officers at the State Customs Committee, where he highlighted new approaches to customs development and the contemporary challenges facing customs administrations.

Emphasizing the significance of his visit to Azerbaijan, the Secretary General commended the Azerbaijan Customs Service for its continued commitment to strengthening international cooperation, fostering effective and constructive relations with the World Customs Organization, and promoting the adoption of innovative ideas and modern approaches.

Chairman of the State Customs Committee, Colonel General of the Customs Service Shahin Baghirov, underscored that the partnership between the Azerbaijan Customs Service and the World Customs Organization has evolved into a strong relationship founded on mutual trust, a shared strategic vision and common objectives. He further noted that this cooperation contributes to identifying new areas of collaboration while advancing digital transformation, promoting sustainable trade and supporting the implementation of international standards.

The visit concluded with Secretary General Ian Saunders visiting the Customs History Museum.

State Customs Committee Press and Public Relations Department