Azerbaijan and Italy Review Strategic Partnership, Expand Cooperation in Energy and Trade
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan and Italy have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership, with senior officials reviewing progress in bilateral relations and discussing expanded cooperation across political, economic, and energy sectors.
The discussions took place during a telephone conversation between Jeyhun Bayramov and Antonio Tajani.
The two ministers praised the intensive high-level political dialogue between Azerbaijan and Italy, highlighting a series of recent diplomatic engagements that have reinforced the strategic nature of bilateral ties. They noted that the state visit of Sergio Mattarella to Azerbaijan last autumn, the meeting of the Azerbaijan-Italy Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in January, and the visit of Giorgia Meloni to Azerbaijan in May reflected the growing partnership founded on mutual trust and cooperation.
Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining regular political dialogue and reciprocal high-level visits while expanding collaboration in trade, the economy, energy, transport, industry, investment, and education.
The ministers also underscored the significance of the Azerbaijan-Italy Business Forum, scheduled to be held later this autumn, describing it as an important platform for promoting bilateral trade and strengthening economic partnerships between the two countries.
They further welcomed preparations for a conference to be held in September in cooperation with The European House – Ambrosetti, which is expected to contribute to the further development of Azerbaijan-Italy political and economic dialogue.
Highlighting the strategic importance of energy cooperation, the two ministers praised the successful partnership between SOCAR and Italiana Petroli, noting that the acquisition of the Italian company by SOCAR represents a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations.
They also stressed the need to broaden mutually beneficial economic initiatives and explore new opportunities for cooperation across various sectors.
The telephone conversation concluded with an exchange of views on regional and international developments, including the post-conflict peace agenda in the South Caucasus and the evolving security situation in the Middle East.
