President Ilham Aliyev’s State Visit to the People’s Republic of China: A Landmark in Azerbaijan-China Relations
From April 22 to 24, 2025, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev paid a state visit to the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. Marking a new chapter in bilateral relations, the visit culminated in the signing of a Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, elevating the Azerbaijan-China relationship to its highest level in history.
During high-level talks with President Xi Jinping, both leaders hailed the deepening ties developed over 33 years of diplomatic relations and reaffirmed mutual support for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independent development paths. President Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s strong backing of the “One China” policy, while China expressed firm support for Azerbaijan’s peace and development agenda.
The newly signed strategic partnership document outlines enhanced cooperation in politics, trade, investment, green energy, education, and cultural exchange. It aims to align China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Azerbaijan’s national development strategies and further develop key infrastructure and logistics projects, particularly along the Middle Corridor. China committed to supporting Azerbaijan’s early accession to the World Trade Organization and expressed appreciation for Baku’s efforts as the host of COP29.
President Aliyev also met with Premier Li Qiang, where they emphasized a remarkable 20% increase in bilateral trade in 2024 and a 40% increase in the first quarter of 2025, with China being Azerbaijan’s top import partner. They discussed enhanced collaboration in sectors including renewable energy, digital economy, demining, agriculture, and transportation. Azerbaijan’s recent unilateral visa exemption for Chinese citizens was praised, and a reciprocal agreement was discussed to boost tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
In a meeting with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, both sides welcomed the strengthening of inter-parliamentary ties and party-to-party cooperation between the New Azerbaijan Party and the Communist Party of China. Cultural, educational, and youth exchanges were also prioritized, with prospects for establishing a joint university and cooperation in the electric vehicle sector through China’s BYD company.
President Aliyev’s visit also featured a meeting with Song Hailiang, Chairman of China Energy Engineering Corporation (Energy China), underscoring the company’s key role in Azerbaijan’s renewable energy sector. A 1-gigawatt offshore wind project in the Caspian Sea and solar initiatives in Fuzuli were highlighted, along with plans for joint energy planning and the establishment of an energy research center in Azerbaijan.
Beyond political and economic engagements, the Azerbaijani First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, accompanied by family members, visited the Great Hall of the People — a symbolic location in Chinese statehood. Additionally, President Aliyev paid tribute at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Beijing, laying a wreath in honor of shared values.
The visit concluded with an official banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan, symbolizing the strong bonds of friendship between the two nations. President Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva were seen off with official honors at Beijing International Airport, capping a highly successful state visit.
The outcomes of this visit are expected to significantly boost Azerbaijan-China relations, transforming mutual goodwill into tangible projects and further integrating the two nations within the evolving landscape of Eurasian cooperation.
