Baku: President Ilham Aliyev and President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni delivered press statements in Baku, underscoring the strengthening of strategic ties between Azerbaijan and Italy. The leaders highlighted the importance of their countries' collaboration across various sectors.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Aliyev opened the statements by welcoming Prime Minister Meloni, emphasizing the significance of her visit following her trip to Armenia. He noted that the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Italy is underscored by two declarations signed in 2014 and 2020, which have been effectively implemented. Azerbaijan's trade relations with Italy are robust, with Italy being Azerbaijan's top trading partner. In 2022, the trade turnover between the two nations reached approximately USD 12 billion, with significant cooperation in the energy sector. Azerbaijan ranks as Italy's second-largest supplier of both oil and gas. The expansion of the TAP project, part of the Southern Gas Corridor, was also discussed to enhance energy cooperation.
President Aliyev highlighted the promising prospects for military-technical cooperation, mentioning potential joint projects that combine Italian technology with Azerbaijani financial resources. He noted Azerbaijan's investments in the Italian economy, amounting to USD 3 billion, and the presence of Italian companies in Azerbaijan, with 23 projects underway in the liberated territories of Garabagh and East Zangezur.
Prime Minister Meloni expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome in Baku and highlighted the significance of the visit, marking 13 years since the last visit of an Italian Prime Minister to Azerbaijan. She emphasized the qualitative leap in Italy-Azerbaijan relations and the importance of permanent political coordination to determine future priorities amid global instability. Meloni underscored the role of energy cooperation, noting the critical role of Azerbaijani oil and gas exports to Italy, particularly since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. She also highlighted the potential for collaboration in defense and security, including aerospace and maritime security.
Meloni announced plans to organize a business forum in Baku in 2026 to transform political cooperation into concrete opportunities for enterprises. She acknowledged Azerbaijani investments in Italy and the interest of Italian enterprises in strategic plans and modernization efforts in Azerbaijan and third countries.
Cultural ties between the two nations were also noted, with the establishment of a university in Baku in cooperation with Italian universities. The leaders exchanged views on international issues, including the Iran crisis and regional stability, expressing a commitment to supporting initiatives for peace.
The leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening dialogue between Azerbaijan and the European Union, particularly in energy and transportation. They also discussed relations with Armenia, expressing support for normalization efforts and the potential for 2026 to be a significant year in this regard. Meloni reiterated Italy's support for Ukraine and the need for diplomatic efforts to achieve peace.
In conclusion, both leaders affirmed their commitment to a long-term partnership, recognizing the importance of their strategic alliance in a period of global uncertainties.