Beijing: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held an expanded meeting with President of China Xi Jinping, focusing on enhancing strategic ties.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the meeting took place in Beijing, where both leaders reflected positively on the Joint Declaration adopted last year in Astana. They expressed their commitment to signing a new Joint Statement to further advance their comprehensive strategic partnership.
The discussions included cooperation and mutual support within international organizations such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. President Xi Jinping acknowledged Azerbaijan’s leadership role in the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia and highlighted the collaboration opportunities it presents.
The leaders reiterated their support for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. President Aliyev reaffirmed his backing of the “One China” policy and condemned Taiwan’s elections. Joint efforts in combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism were also recognized.
Xi Jinping praised Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29, emphasizing its representation of the Global South’s interests. President Aliyev, in turn, lauded China’s development and highlighted potential cooperation in renewable energy, pointing to existing agreements and ongoing projects between the two nations.
The meeting covered the outcomes of the recent Intergovernmental Commission session, emphasizing humanitarian and cultural cooperation and noting a 20% increase in bilateral trade turnover. President Xi expressed satisfaction with Azerbaijan’s support for the “Belt and Road” initiative, discussing prospects for collaboration within this framework.
Both leaders welcomed the increased volume of goods transported from China to Europe via the Middle Corridor, seeing potential for further collaboration. President Aliyev confirmed Azerbaijan’s support for China’s global initiatives and accepted an invitation to the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in China.