Baku: German Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Ralf Horlemann, emphasized the stable development of trade relations between Germany and Azerbaijan during a press conference marking the end of his term. He highlighted that the bilateral trade turnover reached approximately 1.7 billion euros last year, with a balanced trade relationship indicating the maturity of these ties.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the ambassador noted that while trade balances involving countries exporting raw materials often favor the exporter, Germany and Azerbaijan maintain a more balanced trade. Germany primarily imports oil from Azerbaijan, while exporting machinery, electronics, and automobiles to the country.

Horlemann pointed out the energy sector as a crucial element in the countries' relations, mentioning that despite Germany not being a direct consumer of Azerbaijani gas due to the lack of a direct pipeline, German companies have signed contracts with SOCAR. Most Azerbaijani gas imported by the EU goes to Italy and is traded within the European energy market, allowing Germany to indirectly consume Azerbaijani gas through exchanges with Italy and Austria.

Cultural ties were also highlighted by the ambassador, who was impressed by the number of Azerbaijanis learning German, with around 50,000 individuals studying the language annually. This high number makes German the second most studied foreign language in Azerbaijan. Visa issuance has also increased, with about 25,000 visas issued last year, including 1,500 student visas. The approximately 40,000 Azerbaijanis residing in Germany contribute to the robust cultural relationship between the two countries.

Horlemann projected that Germany would import approximately 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Azerbaijan in the first decade of their energy cooperation.