ISTANBUL

Azerbaijan and China are strengthening their partnership through trade, climate cooperation and shared multilateral goals, even amid pressure from certain Western actors, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said Monday.

In an interview with China’s Xinhua News Agency, Aliyev said the relationship between Baku and Beijing “has entered a historic phase” following the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed with President Xi Jinping in July 2024.

“Being part of the Global South, we have always defended its interests,” he said, adding that both countries are working to promote “peace, development, equality, justice, democracy and freedom” while opposing “hegemony and power politics.”

Aliyev also praised China’s support at the COP29 climate summit in Baku last November.

He also criticized Western attempts to isolate Azerbaijan during the summit, saying: “Despite the large-scale and unfounded campaign of pressure and boycott against Azerbaijan led by certain Western circles…we demonstrated strong political will and professionalism” in hosting the event.

Turning to economic cooperation between the two countries, he noted that bilateral trade rose by 20.7% in 2024, with China becoming Azerbaijan’s largest import partner.

“There is still huge untapped potential,” he said, referring to investments in technology, energy and infrastructure.

He highlighted the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative and Azerbaijan’s role in the Middle Corridor, calling it “the most competitive route for delivering goods between China and Europe.”

“Our active dialogue, mutual respect and trust are playing a valuable role in deepening bilateral relations,” he added, mentioning expanding cooperation in education, language, tourism and cultural exchanges.

Aliyev also reaffirmed his support for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and said Azerbaijan will continue contributing to global peace and sustainable development.