In a significant development in Eurasian diplomacy, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev formally elevated bilateral relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership during high-level talks in Beijing.
The declaration marks a milestone in the China-Azerbaijan relationship and sets the foundation for enhanced cooperation across multiple domains—from security and trade to technology and culture.
President Xi welcomed his Azerbaijani counterpart at the Great Hall of the People with full ceremonial honors, underscoring the importance of the visit. The two leaders later signed a Joint Statement to formalize the partnership and presided over the signing of 20 wide-ranging cooperation agreements.
During their discussions, President Xi emphasized the critical need for closer strategic alignment between the two nations, stating, “China supports Azerbaijan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.” He stressed Beijing’s readiness to engage in robust security collaboration with Baku, particularly in countering the “three evil forces” of terrorism, extremism, and separatism.
Both countries pledged to uphold the multilateral trading system, oppose unilateral tariffs and trade wars, and defend the international order underpinned by the United Nations and international law.
President Aliyev, affirming Azerbaijan’s adherence to the One-China principle, reiterated that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory,” and expressed strong support for China’s national reunification efforts. He further lauded President Xi’s global initiatives—the Global Security Initiative, Global Development Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative—describing them as “conducive to world peace, stability and prosperity.”
Aliyev noted that the two countries “have always respected and trusted each other,” and highlighted increasing cooperation within multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Prior to the talks, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, held a welcoming ceremony for Aliyev and his wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, at the Great Hall of the People. Xi and Peng also hosted a welcoming banquet for Aliyev and Aliyeva in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People at noon on Wednesday.
Economic Integration and Belt and Road Expansion
Both leaders emphasized Azerbaijan’s strategic role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly through the Middle Corridor, a key transit route connecting China to Europe via the South Caucasus. President Xi praised Azerbaijan’s early support for the BRI, while President Aliyev pointed to a more than 20% increase in bilateral trade as evidence of deepening economic ties.
In addition to reaffirming commitment to the BRI, the countries signed multiple agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in digital economy, green energy, science and technology, and infrastructure development.
China and Azerbaijan sign 20 agreements
The scope of the bilateral agreements signed on April 23 reflects a sweeping and multifaceted partnership. Key agreements include:
- Mutual Visa Exemption for ordinary passport holders, to boost people-to-people ties.
- Legal Assistance Treaty and judicial cooperation pacts.
- Green and Low-Carbon Development cooperation, highlighting environmental commitments.
- Space Cooperation Agreement between Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and the China National Space Administration.
- Investment and Trade Memoranda, including commitments in the digital economy and unimpeded trade.
- Cultural Protocol (2025–2029) and media exchange agreements, enhancing soft power and cultural connectivity.
The agreement ceremony concluded with the signing of a Letter of Intent on establishing sister city relations between Nakhchivan (Azerbaijan) and Urumqi (China), symbolizing growing local-level diplomacy.
Azerbaijan and China sign visa-free travel agreement
Azerbaijan and China signed the Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for Citizens Holding Ordinary Passports, marking a significant step in expanding people-to-people connectivity and facilitating travel. The agreement was formally signed in Beijing by Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a high-level ceremony attended by President Ilham Aliyev and President Xi Jinping.
Once implemented, the visa waiver will eliminate entry restrictions for ordinary passport holders, fostering greater exchange in trade, tourism, education, and cultural sectors. The move reflects growing mutual trust under the framework of the newly established comprehensive strategic partnership and is expected to serve as a powerful catalyst for deepening bilateral engagement across all levels of society.
Shared vision for regional and global leadership
President Xi commended Azerbaijan for its successful chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and its role in hosting COP29, where significant steps were made on climate action. Xi extended an invitation to President Aliyev to participate in the upcoming SCO Summit in China, which was accepted with enthusiasm.
Both leaders affirmed a joint vision for a more interconnected, secure, and equitable world order, underscoring their intent to deepen cooperation not only bilaterally but also through global platforms.
Key highlights from Azerbaijan–China Joint Statement
Here are some of the key highlights from the joint statement issued by the two sides:
Strategic Partnership and Sovereignty Support
Azerbaijan and China officially elevated their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Both sides reaffirmed unwavering support for each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and core national interests. Azerbaijan reiterated its commitment to the One-China principle, firmly opposing any form of “Taiwan independence.” China, in turn, endorsed Azerbaijan’s peace agenda and condemned geopolitical confrontation as counterproductive.
Belt and Road Initiative
The joint statement emphasized alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Azerbaijan’s national development programs, including the “Revival of the Silk Road” and the 2030 Socio-Economic Development Strategy. A new Working Group on Investment Cooperation will enhance collaboration in trade, digital economy, and green energy. Both countries expressed readiness to pursue a Free Trade Agreement and deepen trade ties through joint participation in major expos and mutual market access initiatives.
Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation
Recognizing shared security challenges, both parties pledged deeper coordination in law enforcement and intelligence sharing. They committed to jointly combating terrorism, separatism, extremism, and transnational crime. China reaffirmed its support for Azerbaijan’s humanitarian demining efforts, offering continued material and technical assistance.
Infrastructure, Transport, and Connectivity
Transport and logistics cooperation featured prominently, with both nations endorsing the development of safe and stable China-Europe-China routes through the Middle Corridor. The signing of an Agreement on International Multimodal Transportation underscores their commitment to improving regional connectivity, customs efficiency, and logistics infrastructure.
Climate and Global Governance
The leaders welcomed the outcomes of COP29 hosted in Baku and called for greater international cooperation on climate change. Azerbaijan’s “Multisectoral Actions Pathways to Resilient and Healthy Cities” initiative received strong backing from China. Both sides pledged to strengthen global climate governance under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
Support for Multilateralism and International Law
Azerbaijan and China voiced their shared commitment to a UN-centered global order based on international law. They jointly opposed unilateralism and protectionism while advocating for reform of the international financial system and greater representation for developing nations. Azerbaijan expressed support for China’s Global Development, Global Security, and Global Civilization Initiatives.
Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges
Cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges are set to expand significantly. The agreement to implement mutual visa exemptions for ordinary passport holders reflects a shared commitment to enhancing mobility and fostering deeper people-to-people connections. The two countries also pledged support for academic partnerships, language education, and expanded cooperation in arts, media, and sports.