Baku, Rome forge green future with talks on eco-sustainability Photo

Azerbaijan and Italy have discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

According to the Italian Embassy in Baku, the head of Italy’s diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan, Luca Di Gianfrancesco, held a productive meeting with Mukhtar Babayev, the Azerbaijani President’s representative on climate issues, Caliber.Az reports.

Incontro molto proficuo con il neo-Rappresentante del Presidente dell'🇦🇿 sulle questioni climatiche, Mukhtar Babayev. Discorso di ampio respiro sulle prospettive della cooperazione tra 🇮🇹 e 🇦🇿 in materia di sostenibilità ambientale e efficientamento energetico. pic.twitter.com/uith7xcJkk

— Italy in Baku (@ItalyinBaku) February 25, 2025

“The two sides engaged in a detailed discussion on cooperation prospects in the areas of environmental sustainability and energy efficiency,” the embassy stated.

Italy has long been Azerbaijan's primary economic partner in Europe, importing a significant amount of Azerbaijani oil and accounting for 44% of the country’s exports in 2023. The two nations have also been key partners in energy infrastructure, particularly through the Southern Gas Corridor, which includes pipelines that connect Azerbaijan to Italy.

This economic cooperation shows no signs of slowing, even as Azerbaijan increasingly distances itself from European norms. Recent talks in Rome, led by Cirielli, highlighted ongoing collaboration in trade and energy, with deals such as a $171 million energy contract signed last year.

Beyond energy, Italy views Azerbaijan as a strategic partner in emerging trade routes, including the Belt and Road and Middle Corridor projects, offering potential for increased influence in these initiatives. Additionally, cultural and academic ties have grown, exemplified by the establishment of the Italy-Azerbaijan University in 2022.

While Italy’s "balanced" approach to the peace process may help de-escalate tensions, its deepening economic and strategic ties with Azerbaijan reflect a broader interest in securing long-term cooperation in both energy and regional influence.

By Aghakazim Guliyev