Beijing, April 23, 2025 – The Europe Today: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held an expanded meeting with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking a significant step in the deepening of comprehensive strategic ties between the two nations.
During the meeting, President Xi Jinping lauded Azerbaijan’s development trajectory and commended the achievements realized under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. He noted the effectiveness of Azerbaijan’s governance and its growing regional and international influence.
The leaders fondly recalled the signing of the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership during last year’s meeting in Astana and underscored that the Joint Statement to be signed later in the day would further enhance the level of bilateral cooperation. Both sides affirmed their commitment to elevating the relationship to new heights.
In their discussions, Presidents Aliyev and Xi reviewed ongoing collaboration within international organizations such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). President Xi acknowledged Azerbaijan’s proactive role as the current chair of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), emphasizing the vast opportunities for deepened cooperation within this framework.
The two heads of state reaffirmed their mutual support for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s firm support for the “One China” policy and strongly condemned the recent elections held in Taiwan. Both leaders emphasized their joint efforts in combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism.
President Xi Jinping also congratulated Azerbaijan on its successful hosting of the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), highlighting Baku’s advocacy for the interests of the Global South. President Aliyev thanked him for his remarks and noted that COP29 had resulted in key decisions on the global climate agenda.
President Aliyev praised China’s remarkable development under the leadership of President Xi and highlighted the growing scope of cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in the renewable energy sector. He noted that several agreements had been signed with Chinese companies and that practical cooperation was already underway.
The leaders also reviewed the outcomes of the latest session of the Intergovernmental Commission and exchanged views on expanding cooperation in cultural and humanitarian spheres. Both sides welcomed a more than 20% increase in bilateral trade turnover, calling it a positive sign of growing economic partnership.
President Xi expressed satisfaction that Azerbaijan was one of the earliest supporters of the Belt and Road Initiative and emphasized the prospects for future collaboration within this framework. The two leaders particularly welcomed the increasing volume of goods being transported from China to Europe via the Middle Corridor, underscoring the corridor’s strategic value and mutual benefit.
As outlined in the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership, President Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s support for China’s major global initiatives, including the Global Security Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Concluding the talks, President Xi Jinping invited President Ilham Aliyev to participate in the upcoming SCO Summit and related celebratory events in China. President Aliyev accepted the invitation with pleasure.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong political will of both countries to continue fostering a mutually beneficial and strategic partnership based on mutual respect, shared interests, and long-term collaboration.
