Official: Azerbaijan–EU partnership entering strategic phase

Relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union are acquiring a “strategic character,” Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev said, pointing to deepening political and economic engagement and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

Speaking at a Europe Day event, Rafiyev said the decision to hold the 12th European Political Community summit in 2028 in Azerbaijan would provide an additional boost to bilateral cooperation with the bloc, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He said Azerbaijan views ties with the European Union as a key pillar of its foreign policy, adding that relations had gained “new positive momentum” in recent years.

Rafiyev highlighted recent high-level engagement, including a visit by European Council President António Costa to Baku and a joint statement following talks with President Ilham Aliyev, saying the document reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation.

He also pointed to regular contacts between Azerbaijan and EU institutions, including high-level meetings, visits by European officials, and ongoing dialogue in energy, transport and security.

“Today, the partnership between Azerbaijan and the European Union is acquiring a strategic character. The EU is one of Azerbaijan’s key political and economic partners. It is our largest trading partner, and our cooperation is no longer limited to traditional areas,” Rafiyev said.