Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that there is significant potential for deepening cooperation between Azerbaijan and Ukraine, particularly in the fields of energy and the defense industry. He made this announcement following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Baku, which took place on April 25.
This is reported by Finway
Strengthening Strategic Partnership and Economic Ties
According to Aliyev, the meeting discussed both the political aspects of bilateral relations and the prospects for expanding cooperation in the energy sector. The President noted that joint projects and initiatives are already being implemented between the states, particularly related to the activities of SOCAR in Ukraine. He emphasized that the experience of the Azerbaijani energy company in the Ukrainian market serves as a positive example for further development of the partnership.
Aliyev also highlighted the potential for bilateral cooperation in the military-technical sphere, pointing to the possibility of joint production of defense products. The President noted that both countries are currently developing their military industries, and the defense industry remains one of the priority areas of partnership.
“We see the development of military industries, the defense sector, and we can look into joint production,” said the President.
Growth of Trade and Support for Sovereignty
The Azerbaijani President emphasized the necessity and possibility of increasing the volume of bilateral trade, which already exceeds 500 million dollars. He stressed that the countries are interested in deepening cooperation in all areas, relying on a strong political foundation of relations.
Aliyev reminded that documents on strategic partnership were signed back in 2008 and 2011, confirming mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as support for both states on the international stage. The President announced an agreement to hold the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission in Ukraine.
Over the past four years, the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Ukraine have held seven meetings, which, according to Aliyev, is evidence of active dialogue, mutual respect, and common interests. The first meeting between the leaders took place in 2019 in Azerbaijan.
During the current visit of Volodymyr Zelensky to Azerbaijan, six documents were signed, including agreements on security issues.