Chinese official hails Zangezur Corridor as key to strengthening ties with Azerbaijan

Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and head of the International Liaison Department Liu Jianchao has said that the launch of the Zangezur Corridor is being hailed as a significant strategic development, underscoring the growing cooperation between Azerbaijan and China.

Liu made this statement during the conference entitled "Azerbaijan–China strategic partnership: Consolidation and Promotion of Cooperation in the Global South", Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He emphasised Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in supporting China’s Belt and Road initiative, highlighting the country's active involvement in its implementation.

“Azerbaijan was the first to support our ‘Belt and Road’ initiative and has been actively participating in its realization. The construction of the Zangezur Corridor is a crucial project that will enhance the connectivity between Europe and Asia, particularly in light of the current international and regional geopolitical situation. Azerbaijan proposed the creation of this corridor, and its implementation holds significant strategic value,” he said. 

The Chinese official also pointed out that while Chinese companies will take part in the project, there is a need to raise awareness among Chinese businesses about the potential opportunities the corridor offers. This will be key to attracting more partners and ensuring the success of the corridor.

Liu stressed that as both countries continue to deepen their cooperation, China and Azerbaijan could eventually elevate their bilateral ties to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. China and Azerbaijan still have significant untapped potential in their bilateral cooperation.

"Our expectations for cooperation have not fully aligned with reality yet. In this context, the leaders of both countries — Xi Jinping and Ilham Aliyev — elevated our relationship to the level of strategic cooperation last year. This means that the government, the party, and regional entities must all contribute to implementing the leaders' plans by developing specific projects and roadmaps to align strategies," he concluded.

A conference titled "Azerbaijan–China Strategic Partnership: Consolidation and Promotion of Cooperation in the Global South" kicked off in Baku on April 2.

The representatives from the Communist Party of China (CPC) attended the event, organised by the New Azerbaijan Party.

The conference began with performances of the national anthems of Azerbaijan and China, followed by a moment of silence in honour of the martyrs who died for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

In his opening speech, Deputy Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party Tahir Budagov highlighted that the relationship between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People's Republic of China is based on friendship, mutually beneficial cooperation, and a strong strategic partnership.

Budagov further underscored the historic significance of the Joint Declaration signed last year by both leaders, which established a strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China. He described this declaration as a crucial milestone in further strengthening bilateral relations.

By Naila Huseynova