Baku, October 1, 2025 – The Europe Today: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held an expanded meeting with President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella on September 30 in Baku, where the two leaders reaffirmed the depth of bilateral ties and discussed avenues to broaden their multifaceted cooperation.
Welcoming his counterpart, President Aliyev underscored the significance of Mattarella’s second official visit to Azerbaijan, describing it as a clear manifestation of friendship and partnership between the two countries. He recalled the successful implementation of the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signed five years ago, and stressed that relations between Azerbaijan and Italy now encompass diverse fields, including energy, industrial production, and education.
Aliyev highlighted the landmark opening of the Italy-Azerbaijan University’s new building, scheduled for October 1, as a “friendship project” that would further strengthen people-to-people ties. “Hundreds of students are already involved in education. They will both receive a wonderful education and further strengthen the friendship between us,” he noted.
The Azerbaijani leader also praised Italy’s consistent support for Azerbaijan’s engagement with the European Union, expressing gratitude for Rome’s role in advancing these ties. He emphasized ongoing energy cooperation, pointing to both bilateral projects and wider initiatives with the EU, while noting broader plans for future collaboration in this strategic sector.
For his part, President Mattarella expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and recalled his previous visit to Baku seven years ago, during which support was extended to the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). He described the current partnership as steadily expanding across energy, industry, culture, and education, and welcomed the opportunity to attend the inauguration of the Italy-Azerbaijan University campus.
Mattarella also praised Azerbaijan’s successful hosting of COP29, commended the importance of decisions taken at the global climate summit, and congratulated President Aliyev on progress made in Washington regarding the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership, which they agreed serves not only their nations’ interests but also contributes positively to regional stability and relations with the European Union.
