Baku: The visit of Giorgia Meloni, the President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, to Azerbaijan marks a significant advancement in the relations between the two nations.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Tahir Mirkishili, a member of the working group on Azerbaijan-Italy interparliamentary relations, underscored that the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Italy has evolved beyond political dialogue into a multifaceted cooperation platform encompassing economic, energy, military-technical, and humanitarian fields. This relationship serves as an exemplary model at regional and global levels.
The strategic partnership and political dialogue between Azerbaijan and Italy have been strengthening over the years, rooted in mutual trust. Italy, a leading European state and one of Azerbaijan's first strategic partners, has laid the legal foundation for relations through strategic partnership documents signed in 2014 and 2020. These agreements have yielded tangible results, facilitated by an open and reliable dialogue. Notably, President Ilham Aliyev's 2020 visit to Italy and subsequent meetings on various international platforms, including Giorgia Meloni's recent visit to Azerbaijan, highlight the consistent and systematic development of these relations.
In the energy sector, Azerbaijan plays a pivotal role in Italy's energy security, ranking as the second-largest supplier of both gas and oil. In 2025, Azerbaijan's gas exports to Italy reached 10 billion cubic meters, with a total of nearly 50 billion cubic meters transported via the Southern Gas Corridor. Given the current geopolitical conditions, Azerbaijan's reliable partnership is crucial for Europe's energy security. Discussions on increasing gas supply, developing new energy routes, and expanding the TAP project further solidify future cooperation.
Economic ties between Azerbaijan and Italy continue to expand, with Italy standing as Azerbaijan's largest trading partner. Trade turnover has reached record levels, and cooperation extends beyond energy to encompass sectors such as industry, construction, and infrastructure. Significant investments by the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan in Italy's economy and the active presence of over 100 Italian companies in Azerbaijan underscore the high level of mutual economic interest. Italian companies are notably involved in strategic projects, including reconstruction efforts in liberated territories and industrial initiatives in various regions of Azerbaijan.
Military-technical cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy has entered a new phase, involving not only the supply of weapons but also technology exchange, joint production, and innovative solutions. Visits and agreements, such as the procurement of modern cargo aircraft, exemplify this collaboration. This cooperation enhances Azerbaijan's defense capabilities and national industrial potential, with future prospects in security, aerospace, and infrastructure protection.
Humanitarian cooperation remains a cornerstone of Azerbaijan-Italy relations, demonstrated by the Italy-Azerbaijan University in Baku. With over 500 students, the university is poised to foster specialists who will enhance bilateral relations. Joint cultural, scientific, and educational projects strengthen mutual understanding and form a solid basis for long-term collaboration.
Italy plays a pivotal role in Azerbaijan's relations with the European Union, acting as a close partner within the EU. This support significantly contributes to the expansion of Azerbaijan-EU cooperation, particularly in energy, transport, and logistics. Azerbaijan's strategic position as a transit hub between Europe and Asia amplifies its economic and geopolitical importance. The high-level dialogue and mutual trust between Azerbaijan and Italy propel cooperation in various sectors. Giorgia Meloni's visit to Azerbaijan not only reaffirms the current level of bilateral relations but also outlines future development directions, further deepening the Azerbaijan-Italy partnership in the regional and global context.