Berlin: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held an expanded meeting with President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, APA's correspondent dispatched to Berlin reports. The meeting, which took place on July 21, was marked by discussions on various strategic issues, including energy security and bilateral relations.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, the German President fondly recalled his visit to Azerbaijan and described both nations as 'islands of stability' amid global and regional challenges. He commended President Ilham Aliyev on the advancements in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process and underscored Azerbaijan's pivotal role in ensuring Europe's energy security.

President Ilham Aliyev also expressed his positive memories of Frank-Walter Steinmeier's visit to Azerbaijan and mentioned that Azerbaijan is now exporting gas to Germany and Austria. Both leaders acknowledged the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Germany, noting the broad opportunities for developing economic and business collaborations. They expressed confidence that President Aliyev's current visit to Germany would significantly boost bilateral cooperation.

Highlighting the strategic nature of Azerbaijan-Germany relations, the leaders emphasized the significance of the Joint Declaration on the Strategic Agenda for Bilateral Partnership, which will be signed by President Aliyev and Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The discussions also included references to the visit of President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to Baku, focusing on the development of Azerbaijan-EU relations. Additionally, they talked about the Middle Corridor's importance and Azerbaijan's role in it, along with exchanging views on the Middle East situation.