Berlin: Presidents of Azerbaijan and Germany held an expanded meeting, highlighting the deepening ties between the two nations. On July 21, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan met with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany to discuss various bilateral and regional issues in an expanded format.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Steinmeier fondly recalled his visit to Azerbaijan and emphasized the stability both countries provide amid global and regional challenges. He praised Azerbaijan's progress in the peace process with Armenia and acknowledged its pivotal role in ensuring Europe's energy security.

President Aliyev reciprocated the sentiments, recalling President Steinmeier's visit to Azerbaijan with warmth. He highlighted Azerbaijan's expanding energy exports to Germany and Austria, underscoring the nation's crucial role in Europe's energy landscape.

The meeting underscored the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Germany, with both leaders recognizing the potential for enhanced economic and business cooperation. They expressed optimism that President Aliyev's current visit to Germany would further bolster bilateral ties.

The strategic nature of Azerbaijan-Germany relations was highlighted with the anticipated signing of the Joint Declaration on the Strategic Agenda for Bilateral Partnership by President Aliyev and Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This declaration aims to cement the partnership between the two nations.

Additionally, the presidents reflected on the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Baku, acknowledging the growing Azerbaijan-EU relations. They discussed the significance of the Middle Corridor and Azerbaijan's role in it, while also exchanging views on the situation in the Middle East.