Beijing, April 24, 2025 – The Europe Today: On April 23, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, in Beijing to discuss expanding bilateral relations and cooperation across a range of sectors.
The leaders highlighted the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership, signed last July, as a reflection of the high level of bilateral ties. During their meeting, they emphasized the significance of the new Joint Statement establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underscoring the rapid development of relations between the two nations. Within less than a year, Azerbaijan and China have elevated their ties from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive one, a testament to the dynamic progress of their cooperation.
The discussions focused on multiple areas of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on political, economic, and trade relations. President Aliyev noted the remarkable growth in bilateral trade, including a 20 percent increase last year, reaching $3.7 billion, and nearly 40 percent growth in the first quarter of this year. He pointed out that China is not only Azerbaijan’s primary import partner but also its fourth-largest overall trade partner.
The leaders also celebrated the active collaboration in transport and logistics, particularly along Eurasian routes, where both countries are working together to enhance connectivity. Premier Li Qiang highlighted the growing significance of the Middle Corridor, reporting an increase in cargo transportation and discussing plans to further enhance the corridor’s capacity.
In addition to economic collaboration, the meeting addressed cooperation within international organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Both sides reaffirmed their longstanding mutual support for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, with Azerbaijan consistently upholding the “One China” policy. The leaders also discussed their joint efforts in combatting terrorism, extremism, and separatism.
President Aliyev underscored the importance of a United Nations-based international relations system and stressed the need for enforcing UN Security Council resolutions, noting that Azerbaijan has suffered due to their non-implementation.
The meeting also covered the outcomes of the recent Intergovernmental Commission meeting held in Baku, which included a business forum and the signing of several cooperation agreements between Azerbaijani and Chinese companies across various sectors.
The leaders explored new areas of cooperation, including renewable energy, the oil and gas industry, and the application of Chinese technologies in Azerbaijan. They discussed significant investment potential in these areas and highlighted China’s readiness to provide humanitarian support, particularly in demining efforts.
In a move aimed at enhancing people-to-people contacts, President Aliyev announced Azerbaijan’s decision to lift visa requirements for Chinese citizens unilaterally. Both leaders expressed hope that a reciprocal visa waiver agreement would soon be signed, further boosting tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries.
The leaders also addressed agricultural cooperation, with a focus on sericulture, cotton production, and agricultural machinery. Premier Li Qiang expressed China’s support for Azerbaijan’s economic diversification efforts and its Digital Transformation and Development Concept.
The meeting concluded with a focus on cultural and humanitarian cooperation, with appreciation for the projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in China, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations in multiple spheres.
