Azerbaijani president's upcoming visit to China to deepen strategic partnership Foreign Ministry spokesperson says

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is set to pay a state visit to China, with high-level talks scheduled between leaders from both nations.

This announcement was made during a briefing by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, Caliber.Az reports citing Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Guo Jiakun highlighted the significance of the visit, emphasizing that China and Azerbaijan are strategic partners.

“Over recent years, under the personal care and effort of the two presidents, China-Azerbaijan relations have maintained a sound growth momentum, with deepening political mutual trust, fruitful Belt and Road cooperation, and effective international coordination,” the spokesperson said.

“During the visit, President Xi Jinping will hold talks with President Ilham Aliyev to draw a new blueprint for the growth of bilateral relations. Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Zhao Leji will meet with him respectively to have in-depth exchanges of views on cooperation in various areas,” he added.

Guo concluded by expressing China’s expectation that the visit will further deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries and bring more benefit to the two peoples.

Azerbaijan and China established diplomatic relations in 1992, and over the past three decades, their partnership has evolved into a stable and strategic cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and technological spheres. This long-standing relationship was elevated in July 2024 with the signing of a Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Astana. The declaration formalised a shared commitment to mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, and non-interference in internal affairs.

Political ties are underpinned by a close personal relationship and mutual trust between the two countries’ leaders—President Ilham Aliyev and President Xi Jinping. Azerbaijan has consistently supported the One-China policy, recognising Taiwan as an integral part of China. Conversely, China has backed Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including support for UN Security Council resolutions demanding the withdrawal of Armenian forces from Azerbaijani territory in the 1990s. China has also welcomed recent progress in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process.

On the multilateral stage, both nations support the UN-led international order, advocate multilateralism, and cooperate on global initiatives. Azerbaijan endorsed China’s Global Development, Global Security, and Global Civilization Initiatives, and has expressed readiness to deepen cooperation within these frameworks.

Economic and trade relations have shown consistent growth. In 2024, bilateral trade rose by 20 per cent year-on-year, with China ranking among Azerbaijan’s top five trade partners. Nearly 300 Chinese companies operate in Azerbaijan, with increasing cooperation in energy, including both fossil fuels and renewables. Azerbaijan also places strategic focus on digital transformation and has partnered with several Chinese high-tech firms, including in areas like artificial intelligence.

Connectivity remains a cornerstone of the partnership. Azerbaijan plays a key role in the Middle Corridor, or Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, linking China and Europe. Considered part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), this route is prized for its reliability and geopolitical importance. Both sides have signed an MoU to enhance this route’s development and facilitate China-Europe rail freight transport.

On the people-to-people area, Azerbaijan has taken significant steps to promote cultural and humanitarian exchanges. In July 2024, it introduced visa-free travel for Chinese citizens, a move expected to further boost tourism and bilateral goodwill. Direct flights between Beijing, Urumqi, and Baku have also strengthened physical connectivity.