Azerbaijan-China relations strengthen through high-level parliamentary talks

Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova, held a meeting with Cao Lijie, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, to discuss the further development of bilateral relations, strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation, and explore opportunities for collaboration in trade, transport, culture, and strategic initiatives between Azerbaijan and China.

Cao Lijie welcomed Speaker Gafarova warmly, expressing gratitude for her visit and participation in the Boao Forum for Asia. He noted that her trip underscored Azerbaijan’s commitment to bilateral relations with China and highlighted Azerbaijani support for the Forum, Caliber.Az reports via Milli Majlis.

He also remarked on the strong friendship between the two countries, which is rooted in deep historical ties and mutual interests, and praised the consistent respect and support that have characterised Azerbaijan-China relations over the 34 years since diplomatic ties were established.

Cao Lijie added that under the leadership of both nations’ Presidents, bilateral relations have reached the level of strategic partnership. He recalled the two meetings of the Azerbaijani and Chinese leaders last year and emphasised the National People's Congress’s commitment to work with the Azerbaijani parliament to advance the priorities set by the Heads of State and further enrich bilateral cooperation.

Speaker Sahiba Gafarova expressed her appreciation for China’s hospitality and warm remarks regarding Azerbaijan, noting her prior meetings with Cao Lijie at international events in various countries. She emphasised that this visit marks her first to China as Speaker of the Milli Majlis and expressed confidence that it would strengthen parliamentary relations and increase reciprocal visits. Gafarova highlighted the upcoming 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, stressing that their cooperation has always been based on friendship, mutual respect, and support, and that Azerbaijan-China collaboration continues to expand across multiple sectors.

She further noted that relations have entered a new phase recently and underlined President Ilham Aliyev’s commitment to strengthening cooperation. Gafarova drew attention to the vital role of mutual trust and respect between the Presidents in advancing the partnership and referenced President Aliyev’s visits to China in 2025, including the signing of the Joint Statement on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during last year’s state visit.

During the discussion, both sides reiterated mutual support on matters of territorial integrity and sovereignty. Gafarova reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s firm support for the One China policy, while China expressed its unwavering backing of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Cao Lijie emphasised China’s appreciation for Azerbaijan’s support on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang, as well as its assistance in evacuating Chinese citizens from Iran.

The meeting highlighted Azerbaijan’s early support for the One Belt, One Road Initiative, with China expressing gratitude for this commitment. Gafarova noted Azerbaijan’s strategic role as a transport hub in Eurasia, with the Middle Corridor providing a safe and efficient connection between China and Europe through the Caspian Sea. Both sides expressed satisfaction with cooperation in trade, transport, communications, and the growing freight traffic along the Trans-Caspian corridor. Cao Lijie noted China’s interest in developing collaboration in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and green energy. He also highlighted how visa exemptions and direct air links will further enhance bilateral ties.

The discussion touched on Azerbaijan and China’s shared membership in the Global South. Cao Lijie praised Azerbaijan’s rising international influence and expressed China’s intention to expand support and coordination with Azerbaijan on the global stage. He also mentioned China’s support for Azerbaijan’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia.

Humanitarian and cultural cooperation was another focus of the meeting, with both sides acknowledging its role in strengthening ties. Gafarova highlighted successful cultural initiatives, including the collaboration between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Inter-parliamentary cooperation was discussed as a key element of bilateral relations. Gafarova noted the significance of meetings between the Presidents and parliamentary leaders, the active cooperation between legislative bodies, and regular reciprocal visits by MPs and delegations. She also emphasised the continuous engagement within inter-parliamentary organisations, mutual support, and the exchange of views. Both sides agreed on the importance of further expanding these ties, intensifying contacts, and exploring opportunities for institutional cooperation across committees and other sectors.

Cao Lijie provided an overview of the 14th Session of the National People’s Congress, highlighting the decisions made and China’s socio-economic achievements, and affirmed China’s readiness to share these experiences with friendly nations, including Azerbaijan.

By Jeyhun Aghazada