Czech PM praises Azerbaijan ties at Independence Day reception in Prague PHOTO

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has highlighted the growing strategic partnership between Prague and Baku while speaking at a reception marking Azerbaijan’s Independence Day in the Czech capital.

A ceremonial reception dedicated to May 28 — Azerbaijan’s Independence Day — was held in Prague and organised by the Azerbaijani Embassy in the Czech Republic, Caliber.Az reports via state media.

The event was opened with remarks by Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Yashar Aliyev, and attended by several high-ranking guests, including Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Tomio Okamura.

Babiš said Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic currently enjoy “excellent and dynamically developing relations,” noting that cooperation between the two countries continues to expand across multiple sectors. He stressed that economic interaction remains one of the key pillars of the bilateral partnership and said Czech companies highly value cooperation with Baku.

The Czech prime minister placed particular emphasis on energy cooperation, stating that Azerbaijan is the Czech Republic’s largest supplier of crude oil. According to Babiš, at a time when energy security has become especially important, having a reliable partner such as Azerbaijan carries strategic significance for Prague.

Babiš also recalled his recent visit to Azerbaijan, during which he met with President Ilham Aliyev in Gabala. He noted that the Czech delegation included representatives of more than 40 companies, reflecting Prague’s strong interest in further expanding economic ties and creating new business opportunities.

The prime minister added that he was impressed by Azerbaijan’s pace of development, the country’s ambitions, and its confidence in the future. He also praised the hospitality and openness of the Azerbaijani people led by President Ilham Aliyev.

According to Babiš, the Czech Republic intends to continue strengthening relations with Azerbaijan on the basis of trust, practical cooperation, and mutual benefit.

The event concluded with a concert featuring artists from both countries.

By Jeyhun Aghazada