China says cooperation with Azerbaijan is producing effective results

Cooperation between China and Azerbaijan under the Belt and Road Initiative has produced strong results, and bilateral trade increased by more than 30 percent in the first quarter of the year, China’s Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs Sun Linjiang has stated.

During an official reception in Beijing marking May 28 — Azerbaijan’s Independence Day, he said China views Azerbaijan as a close friend and partner, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

According to him, bilateral relations between the two countries have developed rapidly in recent years and reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership under the leadership of Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Xi Jinping.

Sun Linjiang conveyed congratulations from China’s Foreign Ministry and praised Azerbaijan’s development under President Ilham Aliyev, citing economic stability, social progress, and rising international standing.

The event was organised by Azerbaijan’s diplomatic mission with support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and was attended by Chinese officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the public.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to China, Bunyad Huseynov, said in his address that bilateral ties trace their roots back to the ancient Silk Road.

He noted that political dialogue established during the 1994 visit of Azerbaijan’s National Leader Heydar Aliyev to China has since been further developed under President Ilham Aliyev, with relations now elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Huseynov also said Azerbaijan views Chinese technology as an important driver of its energy transition, adding that growing cooperation in innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable development is shaping a new phase of partnership between the two countries.

He stressed Azerbaijan’s role as a key transport and logistics hub along East–West and North–South corridors, saying the country is helping expand trade links between China and Europe. He also pointed to the planned reopening of the Zangazur corridor as a future contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative.

The ceremony concluded with performances by Azerbaijani musicians.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov