Italian envoy highlights strengthening Azerbaijan ties through culture and economy

The IX Italian Cuisine Week in Azerbaijan offers new opportunities to strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries, Italian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Luca Di Gianfrancesco stated during a press conference in Baku.

The ambassador emphasized the growing cooperation between Italy and Azerbaijan, noting how events like Cuisine Week can serve as a bridge for cultural exchange and economic collaboration, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“Cuisine Weeks can become not only a platform to showcase our culture but also a great opportunity to strengthen economic and trade ties between Italy and Azerbaijan. Behind every product presented is an economic sector of great importance to Italy and its economy. Agribusiness represents the most important sector of the Italian economy. In 2023 alone, Italy's agricultural exports to the world exceeded 64 billion euros, which is 6% more than in the previous year,” said Di Gianfrancesco.

The ambassador also highlighted that this year's Cuisine Week coincides with a pivotal moment, as Italy actively seeks the inclusion of Italian cuisine in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.

The relationship between Azerbaijan and Italy has deep historical roots and has evolved into a robust strategic partnership in recent years. These ties, shaped by significant global and regional developments, continue to grow in 2024, offering expanded opportunities for cooperation in various sectors.

Political relations between the two nations gained traction after Azerbaijan's independence, with the first official visit by Heydar Aliyev to Italy in 1997 laying a strong foundation. Italy has consistently supported Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and played an active role in regional conflict resolution, further strengthening political dialogue.

Since the early 2000s, bilateral ties have intensified through numerous high-level visits. The 2022 visit by President Ilham Aliyev to Italy marked a significant milestone, bolstering cooperation and opening new avenues for collaboration. Italy, one of nine EU member states to sign a strategic partnership agreement with Azerbaijan, actively supports Baku's integration into European frameworks. Additionally, Italy's collaboration with Azerbaijan in international organizations and events such as the G7 and COP29 highlights the strategic significance of their partnership.

Cultural ties between the two countries are longstanding and continue to flourish. The declaration of 2020 as the Year of Azerbaijani Culture in Italy underscored their friendship and cultural exchange. Initiatives such as the unveiling of a monument to Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi in Rome and Azerbaijan’s contribution to restoring historical sites in Italy, like the Catacombs of Saints Marcellino and Pietro, exemplify this cooperation.

Today, Azerbaijan and Italy share a comprehensive strategic partnership that spans energy, culture, military, and environmental cooperation. These connections not only contribute to the economic growth and security of both nations but also play a crucial role in regional stability.

Amid global challenges, the partnership between Baku and Rome remains vital, offering opportunities for deeper collaboration and mutually beneficial relations that will shape the future of international politics.

By Tamilla Hasanova