Tianjin, August 31, 2025 – The Europe Today: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping on August 31 in Tianjin, on the sidelines of the SCO Plus Summit and commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over foreign military aggression and fascism.
The two leaders posed for a joint photo before holding discussions. President Xi Jinping, addressing President Aliyev as “my dear friend,” expressed appreciation for his acceptance of the invitation to participate in the summit and related ceremonies. He underlined that over the past 30 years, Azerbaijan and China have successfully developed relations, which have now advanced to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. Xi Jinping fondly recalled President Aliyev’s state visit to China and highlighted the significance of the agreements reached during that occasion.
The Chinese President noted the steady increase in bilateral trade and emphasized expanded cooperation in sectors such as energy, including renewable energy, and the digital economy. He also stressed the importance of Azerbaijan’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in facilitating the transportation of Chinese goods through the Trans-Caspian route. Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s support for Azerbaijan’s sovereign development model, adherence to non-interference in internal affairs, and expansion of ties with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He further emphasized the importance of direct dialogue in ensuring lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
President Ilham Aliyev, in turn, expressed gratitude for the invitation and congratulated China on the 80th anniversary of its victory over foreign military aggression. He recalled his state visit to China, noting that the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed during that visit continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties. President Aliyev reaffirmed that developing relations with China is a priority direction of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.
The Azerbaijani leader highlighted Baku’s consistent support for China’s positions on Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, recalling that Azerbaijan was among the first nations to condemn elections held in Taiwan. He underlined the growing volume of bilateral trade and pointed to the Middle Corridor, passing through Azerbaijan, as a vital route for Chinese cargo under the Belt and Road Initiative. President Aliyev also noted progress in normalization talks with Armenia, emphasizing that peace has been established on a bilateral basis.
The two presidents also welcomed recent advances in tourism following the introduction of visa-free travel and stressed that Azerbaijan and China continue to support one another within international organizations. A broad exchange of views was held on the prospects for further cooperation across multiple sectors.
