Azerbaijan and EU Pledge to Deepen Strategic Partnership Following Baku Meeting
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the European Council António Costa held a meeting in Baku on March 11, 2026, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the European Union.
During the meeting, the two leaders emphasized the importance of expanding political dialogue and practical cooperation, building on the momentum of recent high-level engagements. They highlighted collaboration in areas such as security, energy, transport, and regional connectivity, noting that the partnership contributes to peace, stability, and sustainable development across the Black Sea, South Caucasus, and Central Asia regions.
Both sides reaffirmed that relations between Azerbaijan and the EU are based on mutual respect, equality, and shared benefit, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The leaders also reiterated their commitment to the swift conclusion of negotiations on a new comprehensive bilateral agreement, which is expected to provide a stronger legal framework for future cooperation. They underlined the importance of adopting renewed Azerbaijan–EU Partnership Priorities and utilizing existing mechanisms, including the Azerbaijan–EU Cooperation Council, to advance the bilateral agenda.
Discussing regional developments, the presidents reaffirmed their shared goal of achieving a peaceful, stable, and interconnected South Caucasus. They welcomed recent positive momentum in the Azerbaijan–Armenia peace process, including outcomes of the August 8, 2025 Washington Summit, and steps toward normalization between the two countries. António Costa reiterated the EU’s full support for efforts aimed at achieving sustainable peace through bilateral dialogue.
The leaders also highlighted Azerbaijan’s ongoing post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts in the Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur regions, noting challenges such as landmine contamination and calling for greater international support. They acknowledged the EU’s role as a leading donor in humanitarian de-mining initiatives.
Both sides stressed that the implementation of “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development” offers opportunities to expand cooperation in areas including trade, investment, connectivity, economic resilience, and clean energy.
Connectivity and infrastructure development were also key topics of discussion, with emphasis on Azerbaijan’s role in the Middle Corridor, linking the Black Sea, South Caucasus, and Central Asia. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to cooperation under the Global Gateway initiative, including support for railway modernization in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and ongoing efforts related to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TRIPP).
Energy cooperation remained a central focus, with both sides acknowledging Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable partner in diversifying Europe’s energy supplies. They reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership in the Energy Sector, highlighting the importance of the Southern Gas Corridor and opportunities to expand collaboration in renewable energy, including wind, solar power, and electricity interconnection projects such as the Black Sea Submarine Cable.
The leaders also welcomed the successful hosting of the COP29 climate summit in Baku in November 2024 and expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation on climate change and environmental protection.
In addition, they highlighted Azerbaijan’s upcoming hosting of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum in May 2026, describing it as a major contribution to global efforts on sustainable urban development.
Both sides emphasized the importance of enhanced cooperation in defense and security to address emerging threats such as organized crime, terrorism, extremism, arms trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, and irregular migration.
The presidents also underscored the growing importance of digital transformation, innovation, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, as key areas for future collaboration aimed at strengthening economic resilience and sustainable digital ecosystems.
Finally, the leaders reaffirmed the importance of people-to-people contacts, welcoming the continued implementation of the Visa Facilitation Agreement and pledging to expand cooperation in education, culture, youth exchanges, and research.
The meeting also included discussions on major global and regional developments, including the latest situation in Iran and Ukraine.
