Fergus Auld, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to our country, had an introductory meeting with Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population Sahil Babayev.

According to the information given to APA by the ministry, the minister congratulated the ambassador on his new appointment and wished him success in his work.

He said that relations between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are developing successfully.

S. Babayev informed about the successive social reforms carried out in our country, DOST concept, achievements of the program of electronicization of state social services.

It was noted that the implemented social reforms were highly valued at the international level, last year the institutions of the Ministry were awarded with 13 international awards and received 12 international ISO certificates.

In particular, it was reported that the State Social Protection Fund under the Ministry was awarded the "International State Institution of 2022" top prize of the competition held in Great Britain.

The work carried out in the field of covering vulnerable population groups, as well as victims of domestic violence with rehabilitation-oriented social services, was mentioned.

The positive results of the joint project with the "British Council" to increase employment opportunities for persons with disabilities were highlighted.

The importance of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2019 between the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population and the BP Exploration (Caspian Si) Limited company in the development of population settlement and conducting detailed studies in the field of demography was brought to attention.

At the meeting, it was emphasized that there is great potential for expanding cooperation in the field of labor, employment, and social protection between the relevant institutions of the two countries, and they exchanged views on future cooperation in this field.