Azerbaijan and China will provide each other with strong support in protecting sovereignty

On April 23, as part of the state visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the People's Republic of China, the "Joint Statement between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People's Republic of China on the Establishment of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Relations" was signed in Beijing.

AZERTAG presents the statement:

"The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, at the invitation of the Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, paid a state visit to the People's Republic of China from April 22 to 24, 2025.

The heads of the two states held talks in a warm and friendly atmosphere, highly appreciating the achievements in the development of Azerbaijan-China relations over the 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Confirming that both countries view each other as priority, reliable, and mutually beneficial strategic partners, expressing readiness to continuously strengthen political mutual trust, enhance mutual support, and develop comprehensive cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of both countries, they unanimously decided to establish comprehensive strategic partnership relations.

1. The parties firmly support each other in the choice of development path chosen by their peoples and corresponding to national conditions, provide each other with resolute support in protecting the fundamental interests, sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of both countries. The Azerbaijani side recognizes that there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an integral part of China's territory, the government of the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing all of China, firmly opposes any form of "Taiwan independence" and supports the Chinese government in implementing the reunification of the country.

China strongly supports the peaceful agenda proposed by the Azerbaijani side and considers confrontation-oriented geopolitical games counterproductive.

2. The parties stated that they will be guided by the diplomacy of the heads of state as a strategic guideline and important agreements at the highest level, promoting sustainable and long-term development of bilateral relations.

The parties support strengthening political dialogue between the New Azerbaijan Party and the Communist Party of China. Both sides confirmed their readiness to increase ties between governments within the framework of regular mechanisms to promote practical cooperation. The parties support contacts and exchanges through legislative bodies, including coordination of actions in international and regional organizations, and are committed to conducting regular consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs.

3. The parties agreed to strengthen the integration of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative with Azerbaijan's state development strategy "Revival of the Silk Road" and the Strategy for Socio-Economic Development until 2030, in order to jointly promote modernization and create a new space for joint development of a higher level, increased sustainability, and long-term stability.

4. The parties expressed their readiness to continue strengthening the coordinating and guiding role of the mechanism of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. It was decided to establish a Working Group on Investment Cooperation to strengthen interaction in the areas of trade, investment, green energy, and digital economy, as well as to promote high-quality development of bilateral cooperation in the trade and economic sphere. The parties intend to gradually expand mutual access to markets for environmentally friendly and high-quality agricultural products, jointly creating favorable conditions for the development of trade and economy of the two countries.

The parties expressed their readiness to start negotiations on a free trade agreement in order to provide a high level of institutional guarantees for deepening cooperation in the areas of trade and investment.

China welcomes Azerbaijan's active participation in major exhibition events in China, including the China International Import Expo (CIIE), China Export and Import Fair (Canton Fair), China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), as well as the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), supports Azerbaijan's thematic presentations and networking at trade centers and national pavilions opene