Azerbaijan, China committed to comprehensive development of partnership Presidential aide’s interview with CGTN

Assistant to Azerbaijani President – Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmat Hajiyev has said that Azerbaijan and China enjoy firm determination to comprehensively develop partnership as he was interviewed by China Global Television Network (CGTN).

"China has always had a friendly attitude towards Azerbaijan. Since Azerbaijan's independence, we have seen China's support. Azerbaijan has made great strides and the active involvement, cooperation and partnership of our Chinese friends and Chinese companies have been part of this success story. We have a resolute determination to comprehensively develop Azerbaijan-China partnership and cooperation," he said, Trend reports.

The presidential assistant hailed the political relations between the two countries, pointing out the existence of mutual understanding and dialogue.

"In particular, Azerbaijan has always supported the 'One China' policy. As for economic relations, Azerbaijan has defined green growth and digital transformation as one of its national priorities. Azerbaijan is also the country to host COP29. "Middle Corridor" is gaining additional importance and cruciality. In all these areas, including the cultural sphere, cooperation in international institutions, the views and visions of China and Azerbaijan coincide. Based on traditional ties, cooperation and friendship, we look forward to continuing this cooperation," Hajiyev noted.

Hajiyev noted that the full exploitation of the Middle Corridor will ensure further growth of China-Azerbaijan trade.

"Economic and trade relations are developing between the two countries. The connecting component is also crucial in trade and economic relations. Full commissioning of the Middle Corridor will ensure further growth of China-Azerbaijan trade," the presidential assistant said.

Hikmat Hajiyev described the fact that the Middle Corridor passes through the territories of many countries as one of the challenges.

"Here we are working very hard and closely with our Kazakh friends. In such a project, which passes through the territories of different countries, the possibility of a single window is crucial, especially for Chinese companies that would like to redirect their freight transportation to the European market. We are already working with Kazakhstan, Georgia and would like to attract our Chinese friends," he said.

Simplification and standardization of customs rules are also important, Hajiyev added.

"We have also taken note of the recent Middle Corridor agreement signed between China and Kazakhstan. We are also thinking about inking such an agreement. Perhaps we can sign a trilateral agreement between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and China in this area. We look forward to the development of China + Central Asia and China + Central Asia + Azerbaijan concepts," he said.

Note that the Middle Corridor links the networks of container rail freight transportation of China and the European Union through the countries of Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Türkiye and Eastern Europe.

Multilateral multimodal transportation infrastructure connects ferry terminals of the Caspian and Black Seas with railway systems of China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye, Ukraine and Poland.

The middle corridor facilitates increased cargo traffic from China to Türkiye, as well as to Europe and vice versa.