President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency, stated that his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Astana, along with the Joint Declaration adopted as a result, marks a historic event that opens a new page in Azerbaijan-China relations.
The head of state emphasized that the Declaration officially elevates Azerbaijan and China to the level of strategic partnership, which is both a great achievement and a significant responsibility.
President Aliyev expressed his confidence that the exchange of high-level visits will further deepen bilateral ties. He highlighted that China has already become Azerbaijan’s fourth-largest trading partner and the leading source of imports into the country.
The President pointed to the vast untapped potential in economic cooperation and stressed the important role of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation in further developing bilateral economic ties.
He also noted the active cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and Azerbaijan’s efforts to modernize its transport infrastructure in response to the growing volume of transit cargo through its territory.
President Ilham Aliyev expressed satisfaction that Azerbaijan-China relations, rooted in ancient history and good traditions, continue to develop steadily, strengthened by mutual respect, trust, and active dialogue at the highest level.
