President Ilham Aliyev and President Xi Jinping posed for a joint photo.
Welcoming Ilham Aliyev, Xi Jinping called him a “dear friend,” thanked him for accepting the invitation to participate in the “SCO Plus” Summit, as well as in the ceremonies and military parade marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over foreign military intervention and fascism.
Xi Jinping emphasized that Azerbaijan and China have maintained successful cooperation for more than 30 years, and that today the relationship has developed into a comprehensive strategic partnership. He fondly recalled President Aliyev’s state visit to China and highlighted the importance of the discussions held during that visit.
The Chinese leader underlined the growth of trade turnover between the two countries and the expansion of cooperation in energy — including renewable energy — and digitalization. He noted that Azerbaijan–China cooperation is also strengthening within the framework of the “Belt and Road Initiative,” stressing the importance of transporting Chinese goods through Azerbaijan’s territory and highlighting the role of the Trans-Caspian route.
Xi Jinping stated that China supports the expansion of Azerbaijan’s ties with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
He also stressed the importance of direct dialogue for ensuring lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Chinese leader affirmed China’s support for Azerbaijan’s sovereign development model and reiterated Beijing’s commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
President Aliyev expressed gratitude for the invitation and congratulated China on the 80th anniversary of its victory over foreign intervention.
Aliyev likewise recalled with satisfaction his state visit to China, noting that his meetings and dialogue with Xi Jinping gave a strong impetus to the comprehensive development of cooperation between the two countries. He highlighted the importance of the signed document on a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The Azerbaijani President said that developing relations with China is one of the priorities of his country’s foreign policy.
Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan supports China’s position on Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and was one of the first countries to condemn the elections held in Taiwan.
He further noted the significant growth in trade relations between the two countries. Referring to the Belt and Road Initiative, he emphasized the rising volume of shipments — particularly Chinese cargo — via the Middle Corridor, which passes through Azerbaijan, calling it an example of the corridor’s effectiveness and attractiveness.
President Aliyev also underlined that negotiations on normalization of relations and the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia are being conducted bilaterally, and affirmed that peace has already been established between the two countries.
During the meeting, it was noted with satisfaction that the two countries always support each other within international organizations. It was also stressed that, recently, following the entry into force of the visa-free regime, tourism ties have been developing.
The discussions also included a broad exchange of views on the prospects of Azerbaijan–China cooperation.
