Beijing backs closer ties as China, Azerbaijan sign mutual visa exemption

China has welcomed the recent signing of a mutual visa exemption agreement with Azerbaijan, highlighting the move as a milestone in the deepening of bilateral relations.

The agreement was formalized during the state visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Beijing, and is set to bolster diplomatic, cultural, and economic exchanges between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry commented on the development during a regular press briefing, where ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed the media regarding the significance of the agreement.

“China and Azerbaijan are good friends treating each other with sincerity and trust, and good partners who see each other as equals and pursue mutual benefit,” Guo stated, underlining the strategic alignment and mutual respect underpinning the China-Azerbaijan relationship.

He further noted the progress achieved under the leadership of both nations’ presidents, emphasizing the increasingly robust cooperation across a broad spectrum of sectors. “Under the strategic guidance of the two presidents, the two countries have seen ever-deepening cooperation in various areas,” Guo added.

The newly signed visa exemption agreement pertains to holders of ordinary passports from both nations and is expected to streamline cross-border travel, thereby fostering closer ties between the citizens of China and Azerbaijan.

“This will further facilitate cross-border travel, build closer bond between the two peoples, and deepen the China-Azerbaijan comprehensive strategic partnership,” Guo concluded.

On April 23, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev undertook a state visit to China, during which both nations signed a series of official documents and engaged in high-level discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

By Vafa Guliyeva