Presidents Aliyev, Xi Jinping hail comprehensive strategic partnership in Tianjin meeting PHOTO

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping on August 31 in Tianjin, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Summit.

Ahead of their talks, the two leaders posed for a joint photo. Addressing President Aliyev as “my dear friend,” Xi Jinping thanked him for accepting the invitation to attend the summit, as well as the ceremonial events and military parade marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over foreign military aggression and fascism, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Xi Jinping underlined that over the past three decades, Azerbaijan and China have built successful cooperative ties, now elevated to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. He fondly recalled President Aliyev’s state visit to Beijing and emphasized the importance of the discussions held during that trip.

The Chinese leader noted the growing trade turnover between the two countries and the expansion of cooperation in energy — including renewable energy — and the digital economy. He stressed that Azerbaijan plays a vital role in the “Belt and Road” initiative, particularly in facilitating the transport of Chinese goods via the Trans-Caspian route.

Xi Jinping also expressed support for Azerbaijan’s stronger engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He highlighted the importance of direct dialogue for ensuring lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, voiced China’s support for Azerbaijan’s sovereign development model, and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

For his part, President Aliyev thanked Xi Jinping for the invitation and congratulated the Chinese people on the 80th anniversary of their victory over foreign military aggression. He recalled his state visit to Beijing, describing it as a milestone that significantly advanced bilateral cooperation, and underlined the importance of the document signed on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Aliyev reaffirmed that developing relations with China is a priority direction of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy. He stressed Baku’s support for Beijing’s positions on Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang, noting that Azerbaijan was among the first countries to condemn the elections held in Taiwan.

Highlighting the rise in trade between the two nations, President Aliyev pointed to the increased transit of Chinese cargo through the Middle Corridor crossing Azerbaijan as evidence of the route’s efficiency and attractiveness. He further noted that negotiations with Armenia on normalization and a peace agenda are progressing on a bilateral basis, emphasizing that peace has already been established between the two countries.

The two presidents expressed satisfaction with the consistent mutual support between Azerbaijan and China in international organizations. They also welcomed the recent growth in tourism ties, facilitated by the visa-free travel agreement, and held a broad exchange of views on prospects for deepening cooperation.

By Khagan Isayev