Aliyev, Zelenskyy Highlight Strategic Ties in Joint Press Statement in Gabala
Gabala, The Gulf Observer: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held extensive talks in Gabala on April 25, reaffirming their strategic partnership and exploring new avenues of cooperation across multiple sectors, including energy, defense, and trade.
Delivering a press statement following the meeting, President Aliyev warmly welcomed his Ukrainian counterpart and highlighted the strong trajectory of bilateral relations. He noted that the two leaders have held seven meetings over the past four years, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of ties between the two countries.
Aliyev underscored that Azerbaijan–Ukraine relations are built on a solid political foundation, rooted in strategic partnership agreements signed in 2008 and 2011, which emphasize mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and internationally recognized borders. He reiterated that both countries continue to support each other on these principles in international forums.
The Azerbaijani president highlighted growing cooperation in key sectors, particularly energy, where the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) has maintained a strong presence in Ukraine. He also pointed to expanding prospects for joint investments, increased trade turnover—currently exceeding $500 million—and enhanced collaboration in the military-industrial and industrial sectors.
Aliyev further noted discussions on advancing military-technical cooperation, including opportunities for joint production, and expressed confidence that the visit would contribute significantly to strengthening friendly relations.
In his remarks, President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed Ukraine’s continued support for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He described the visit—his first to Azerbaijan since the outbreak of war in Ukraine—as an important step in deepening bilateral ties.
Zelenskyy revealed that six bilateral documents were signed during the visit, with security and defense cooperation identified as a top priority. He noted Ukraine’s readiness to share expertise in the defense industry and confirmed that Ukrainian specialists are already working with Azerbaijani counterparts, with plans to initiate joint production.
The Ukrainian president also expressed appreciation for Azerbaijan’s humanitarian and energy assistance, particularly during challenging winter conditions. He noted that Ukraine received 11 aid packages and acknowledged Azerbaijan’s support for children affected by the conflict, with more than 500 Ukrainian children hosted in Azerbaijan for rehabilitation and cultural engagement.
Energy cooperation was highlighted as a key area of mutual interest, with Zelenskyy stressing the importance of reliable partnerships amid ongoing global challenges. He also pointed to educational exchanges, noting that Azerbaijani students continue to pursue studies in Ukraine.
On regional security, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of ongoing peace efforts and expressed openness to hosting future negotiations in Azerbaijan, provided all parties commit to diplomatic engagement.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to expanding cooperation across all sectors and strengthening the partnership to ensure stability, development, and prosperity for their respective nations.
