Baku, Beijing deepen strategic ties with record trade, investments, high-level visits PHOTO

Chinese-Azerbaijani relations are entering a new era of strategic cooperation, marked by record-high trade and investment flows, strengthened infrastructure ties, and mutual political support. The deepening partnership was highlighted at an event in Baku dedicated to the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev announced that from 1995 to the first half of 2025, China’s direct investment in Azerbaijan reached $942.3 million. Conversely, Azerbaijani investments in China totaled $2.1 billion, with $1.9 billion contributed by the State Oil Fund, Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

According to Mustafayev, China is one of Azerbaijan's main economic and trading partners, just as Azerbaijan is China's largest trading partner in the South Caucasus. The minister noted that in the first seven months of this year, trade turnover between the two countries increased by 26%. 

He emphasised the importance of transport and transit cooperation, citing projects such as the Baku International Sea Trade Port and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Lu Mei, echoed the significance of 2025 for bilateral relations.

“It is gratifying that 2025 has indeed been fruitful for Chinese-Azerbaijani relations. This year, President Ilham Aliyev visited China twice, and the heads of our states signed a Joint Statement on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership and reached many important agreements on deepening cooperation in various areas, including the 'One Belt, One Road' project, green energy, and digital economy. 

As the Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan, I have the honor to witness these historic decisions within bilateral relations. Under the skillful leadership of PRC Chairman Xi Jinping and Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, Chinese-Azerbaijani relations are developing dynamically,” said the diplomat.

She highlighted the role of economic ties in broader global stability.

“In the first seven months of this year, the volume of trade and investment between China and Azerbaijan reached a record high level, which was expected for the entire year. Meanwhile, the China-Europe railway passing through the Caspian Sea on the territory of Azerbaijan is expected to double last year's figure. Thanks to the introduction of a bilateral visa-free regime, tourist flow in both directions has also increased,” Lu Mei said.

The ambassador also stressed the countries’ political alignment on the global stage.

“Azerbaijan and China always support each other in protecting sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as the chosen political course. We closely cooperate in the international arena, including within the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization - SCO, CICA, and always strive to jointly protect the common interests of the Global South countries and firmly uphold international justice,” she stated.

By Sabina Mammadli