Beijing: President Ilham Aliyev's state visit to China on April 22, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the development of Azerbaijan-China relations. The high-level meetings held and the documents signed during the visit aim to deepen cooperation in political, economic, trade, transport, energy, and humanitarian fields.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, as an active participant in the Belt and Road Initiative, Azerbaijan is taking steps to increase freight transportation with China via the Middle Corridor and to develop logistics and transport infrastructure. In this regard, the visit contributes to strengthening of Azerbaijan's geostrategic position. The intensification of political dialogue and the growing mutual trust indicate that bilateral relations have risen to the level of strategic partnership. This visit also serves to further strengthen Azerbaijan's international reputation.
Vusal Guliyev, an expert on East Asia at the Center of Analysis of International Relations, told APA that the Azerbaijani President's state visit to China was marked by important agreements and initiatives that laid the foundation for a new phase in bilateral relations: 'This visit saw the signing of the Joint Statement on Establishment of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which not only elevates Azerbaijan-China relations to a new strategic level but also confirms the depth of mutual political trust. At the same time, strategic partnership with China creates significant opportunities for Azerbaijan to strengthen its role in regional and global initiatives. This statement is the confirmation of the further elevation of the already close political relations between the two countries. The status of a comprehensive strategic partnership lays a solid foundation for deepening cooperation in the political, economic, humanitarian, and other fields in the future. This will contribute to strengthening Azerbaijan's position on the international stage and to the development of long-term, reliable partnership ties with China.'
During the visit, important agreements were reached on expanding cooperation in the political, economic, energy, transportation, and humanitarian sectors. One of the most significant outcomes was the signing of the Agreement on International Multimodal Transportation between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the People's Republic of China, as well as the agreement on the creation of the China-Europe-China Trans-Caspian express routes. This strengthens Azerbaijan's role in the Middle Corridor and serves to turn the country into an important transportation and logistics hub.
Political scientist evaluated the signing of the Agreement on International Multimodal Transportation and the agreement on the creation of the China-Europe-China Trans-Caspian express routes as an important step for the development of transportation and logistics relations in the region: 'This agreement opens great opportunities for realizing Azerbaijan's transit potential within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. The development of Trans-Caspian routes will contribute to the acceleration of cargo transport, reduction of costs, and increase in the region's competitiveness. It will also strengthen Azerbaijan's role as a crucial transport hub between the East and the West'.
One of the significant agreements reached is related to strengthening mutual cooperation in trade, investments, green energy, and digital economy, marking a new phase of collaboration in these areas. In particular, the decision to establish a Working Group on Investment Cooperation is of strategic importance to support the high-quality development of bilateral relations in the commercial and economic sectors. This working group will serve as an important platform for planning future joint projects, improving the investment environment, and promoting technology transfer. Furthermore, utilizing China's experience in green energy and digital transformation will contribute to the sustainable development of Azerbaijan's economy, enhance its competitiveness, and create new jobs. This initiative will strengthen long-term economic partnership.
'The decision to create a Working Group on Investment Cooperation, aimed at strengthening mutual activity in trade, investments, green energy, and digital economy, as well as contributing to the high-quality development of bilateral cooperation in the commercial and economic sectors, is of great significance for the diversification and sustainable development of Azerbaijan's economy. China's vast economic potential and advanced technologies will create new investment opportunities for Azerbaijan, accelerating the transfer of modern technologies to our country. Cooperation in green energy and digital economy is also a crucial component of Azerbaijan's future development strategy,' the expert stated.
One of the significant political achievements during the President's state visit was China's support for Azerbaijan's chairmanship in the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA). This highlights the growing role and influence of Azerbaijan in international organizations. China also highly praised Azerbaijan's active policies in strengthening mutual ties, digitalization, and sustainable development in the Asian region. This approach serves to solidification of Azerbaijan's leadership position in regional initiatives and further expand its cooperation with Asian countries. The political solidarity and support from China in this direction further demonstrates that the Azerbaijan-China strategic partnership is deepening and is based on mutual trust.
Vusal Guliyev noted that China's support for Azerbaijan's chairmanship and initiatives in the CICA reflects the country's growing international prestige and contributes to peace, stability, and cooperation in the region: 'China's support for Azerbaijan's chairmanship in the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia and its high regard for Azerbaijan's efforts in fostering mutual engagement, digitalization, and sustainable development indicate the increasing international prestige and regional significance of Azerbaijan. This support from China will help to gain broader backing for Azerbaijan's initiatives within the CICA and contribute to ensuring peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.'
The expansion of cooperation in tourism was a focal point during the visit. To this end, an agreement on the mutual visa exemption for citizens holding ordinary passports was signed between Azerbaijan and China. Strengthening the tourism sector, increasing direct flights, the mutual abolition of visa regimes, and joint tourism promotion initiatives will significantly boost the influx of tourists to Azerbaijan. China, as one of the world's largest tourist-sending countries, is considered an important market for Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern infrastructure, is one of the most attractive destinations for Chinese tourists. This collaboration in tourism is significant not only in terms of economic benefits but also in strengthening cultural ties between the two nations. The steps taken in this direction will further enhance Azerbaijan's position on the international tourism map.
According to the expert, strengthening tourism cooperation between Azerbaijan and China can lead to an increase in tourist flow, the development of the tourism sector, and provide a boost to the country's economy.
'Strengthening tourism between Azerbaijan and China will have a positive impact on significantly increasing the flow of tourists to our country. Considering China's large tourism market, increasing the number of direct flights, mutual visa exemption, and joint tourism promotions will give a strong impetus to the development of Azerbaijan's tourism sector. This will not only create new job opportunities but also lead to an increase in foreign currency inflow into the economy. Azerbaijan's rich culture, historical monuments, and natural beauty can be very attractive to Chinese tourists.'
The agreements reached and documents signed during President Ilham Aliyev's state visit to China define the future development trajectory of Azerbaijan-China relations. Within the framework of comprehensive strategic partnership, strengthening political dialogue, expanding economic and technological cooperation, and deepening integration in the transportation and tourism sectors will further solidify Azerbaijan's regional and global position. This relationship model significantly increases Azerbaijan's potential to transform its bridge role between the East and West into a strategic advantage.