On April 3, 2026, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, hosted H.E. Mr. Elchin Ragub Oglu Bashirov, the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Thailand, for a high-level courtesy call aimed at forging a new era of cooperation between their respective capitals. During the meeting at the Amornpimarn Room in Bangkok City Hall, both leaders emphasized the growing importance of “city-to-city” diplomacy in a rapidly globalizing world. Ambassador Elchin, who has resided in Bangkok for over a year and a half, spoke warmly of the city, describing it as a “second home” and expressing a deep desire to translate this personal affection into a formal, tangible partnership between Bangkok and Baku, the Azerbaijani capital.
Despite Baku being roughly a quarter the size of Bangkok with a population of approximately four million, the Ambassador noted that both cities face strikingly similar challenges regarding rapid urban expansion and infrastructure management. This shared reality provides a fertile ground for a meaningful knowledge exchange, with Azerbaijan particularly interested in learning from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) extensive experience in managing a large-scale metropolis. Governor Chadchart welcomed the prospect of this collaboration, suggesting that the friendship start with virtual discussions to share best practices in urban planning and public services. He reiterated that in the current global climate, these localized inter-city friendships are essential for sustainable growth and mutual support.
To mark this historic step toward a potential Baku-Bangkok alliance, Governor Chadchart presented the Ambassador with a symbolic replica of the Key to the City and a commemorative book as tokens of burgeoning cross-continental friendship. The meeting was attended by Mr. Torsak Chotimongkol, Chairman of Advisors to Governor of Bangkok, Mr. Pimuk Simaroj, Secretary to Governor of Bangkok, executives from the BMA’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Department, and the Office of International Affairs, signaling a multi-faceted approach to future cooperation. By moving from diplomatic pleasantries to a commitment for active exchange, Bangkok and Baku are laying the foundation for a partnership that promises to enhance the quality of life for residents in both the “City of Angels” and the “City of Winds.”
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