Azerbaijan, Italy are true strategic partners in energy, diplomacy, says President Aliyev

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has reaffirmed the strength and depth of bilateral ties between Azerbaijan and Italy, calling the two nations “true strategic partners” during a joint press statement with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, who is currently on an official visit to Baku.

“This is the second visit of Italian President Sergio Mattarella to Azerbaijan. His first official visit took place seven years ago,” President Aliyev noted, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“Today’s visit demonstrates that Italy-Azerbaijan relations are developing very successfully, and we are true strategic partners.”

President Aliyev praised the multidimensional nature of the partnership, emphasizing that bilateral relations have evolved significantly over the years.

“Over the years, our relations have developed rapidly and across various directions. Political relations are at the highest level,” he said, underscoring the closeness of diplomatic engagement between Baku and Rome. He added, “In the economic sphere, Italy is Azerbaijan’s top trading partner.”

Energy cooperation remains a pillar of the Azerbaijan-Italy relationship. President Aliyev highlighted the significance of oil and gas exports, not just for bilateral trade but also for European energy security.

“Numerous important projects have been implemented in the energy sector (with Italy - ed.). In particular, by exporting Azerbaijan’s oil and gas to Italy, we have been able to supply significant volumes of our natural resources to global markets,” he said.

“At the same time, we have also contributed to the energy security of many countries,” the president emphasized.

“Numerous important projects have been implemented in the energy sector (with Italy - ed.). In particular, by exporting Azerbaijan’s oil and gas to Italy, we have been able to supply significant volumes of our natural resources to global markets,” he said. “At the same time, we have also contributed to the energy security of many countries.”

He went on to detail the scale of energy collaboration: “Azerbaijani oil ranks first in Italy’s oil balance, and Azerbaijani gas holds the second position. This cooperation is a testament to our strong partnership.”

According to President Aliyev, the success of major energy initiatives is rooted in mutual trust and long-term cooperation.

“For many years, we have supported each other as reliable partners. Without sincere relations and mutual trust, the implementation of these projects would not have been possible,” he said.

The president also pointed to expanding opportunities stemming from the Southern Gas Corridor and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), major regional infrastructure projects that have deepened Azerbaijan’s role as an energy hub.

“I informed President Mattarella today that we are currently working with the European Union on the export of electricity. A feasibility study for the construction of electric power lines is being prepared and is expected to be completed soon,” he noted. “Thus, the path opened by TAP and the Southern Gas Corridor is now paving the way for even larger projects.”

In his remarks, President Aliyev also acknowledged Italy’s role as a supportive partner in fostering closer ties between Azerbaijan and the European Union.

“Italy has always supported the development of Azerbaijan’s relations with the European Union, and we feel this support today as well,” he stated.

Highlighting recent progress in EU-Azerbaijan cooperation, President Aliyev concluded: “In short, our strategic partnership is evident both in official documents and in practical actions and real life.”

By Vafa Guliyeva