Serbian president: "Aliyev is our strategic partner and true friend"

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has described Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev as both a strategic partner and a true friend, highlighting the close ties between the two countries.

“President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is our strategic partner, and even more — a true friend. In today’s world, this is not something one can say about everyone,” Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić told Azertag.

He noted that Ilham Aliyev is widely respected and admired by the Serbian people.

“Azerbaijan and Serbia have expanded cooperation at various levels. Just recently, the Speaker of our Parliament visited Baku. We collaborate in multiple areas and across different fields — from agriculture to military-technical cooperation. We will continue these efforts, further elevate our partnership, and refine it. I convey my best wishes to our Azerbaijani friends and to my brother, President Ilham Aliyev,” Vučić added.

Azerbaijan and Serbia have steadily strengthened their bilateral relationship through high-level meetings and agreements, focusing on energy, defence, trade, and cultural cooperation. In energy, a 2023 agreement allows Azerbaijan to supply up to 400 million cubic meters of natural gas annually to Serbia, helping reduce Serbia’s reliance on Russian sources. 

In defence, a $300 million contract signed in 2024 includes the procurement of Serbian NORA B-52 artillery systems by Azerbaijan. Trade between the two countries reached $190.3 million in 2024, with joint projects planned in agriculture, infrastructure, and green energy. Cultural ties are also growing, highlighted by restoration projects and educational initiatives. High-level diplomatic visits continue to solidify the partnership.

By Vugar Khalilov