China and Azerbaijan Establish Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in Landmark Agreement

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: The Republic of Azerbaijan and the People’s Republic of China have officially established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. The “Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People’s Republic of China” was signed in Beijing on April 23 during the state visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to China, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

This historic declaration reflects the deepening of diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations over the 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. During their discussions, held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, Presidents Aliyev and Xi reaffirmed their mutual commitment to elevating bilateral cooperation across a broad spectrum of fields.

Key Highlights of the Joint Statement:

• Mutual Respect for Sovereignty and Core Interests: The parties pledged unwavering support for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Azerbaijan reiterated its recognition of the One-China policy, affirming Taiwan as an inalienable part of China’s territory, while China expressed strong support for Azerbaijan’s peace agenda and regional stability initiatives.
• Strategic Political Dialogue and Intergovernmental Cooperation: The two countries committed to enhancing high-level political dialogue and deepening cooperation between political parties, legislative bodies, and foreign ministries. Regular intergovernmental consultations and coordinated efforts within international organizations were highlighted as priorities.
• Belt and Road Initiative and Development Strategies Alignment: Azerbaijan and China will intensify cooperation by aligning China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Azerbaijan’s “Revival of the Silk Road” and the 2030 Socio-Economic Development Strategy, opening new pathways for sustainable growth.
• Economic and Trade Relations: A new Working Group on investment cooperation will be established under the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Trade Cooperation. Both sides expressed interest in expanding mutual market access, particularly for eco-friendly agricultural products, and will explore a potential free trade agreement.
• Industrial, Digital, and Green Energy Cooperation: The two countries plan to strengthen partnerships in petrochemicals, metallurgy, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, while accelerating digital transformation and renewable energy development.
• Transport and Logistics Connectivity: The signing of an Agreement on International Multimodal Transportation was hailed as a significant step in improving regional connectivity. Both sides are also keen to develop the Trans-Caspian China-Europe express route.
• Education, Culture, and Tourism: Enhanced academic exchanges, promotion of each other’s languages, and joint cultural events such as Days of Culture are set to deepen mutual understanding. A landmark agreement on mutual visa exemption for ordinary passport holders will facilitate greater people-to-people interaction.
• Science, Health, Media, and Youth Cooperation: Expanded cooperation in healthcare, scientific research, media, and youth engagement were emphasized, along with support for cinematic and television collaboration.
• Security and Humanitarian Initiatives: The parties vowed to combat terrorism, separatism, extremism, and transnational crimes including cybersecurity threats. China will continue to support Azerbaijan’s humanitarian demining efforts.
• Climate Action and Global Governance: China lauded Azerbaijan’s successful hosting of COP29 and expressed support for Baku’s initiative on resilient cities. The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to global climate goals and multilateralism.
• Global and Regional Cooperation Platforms: Azerbaijan expressed strong support for China’s Global Development, Security, and Civilization Initiatives. Both sides pledged to enhance their roles within international frameworks such as the UN, WTO, SCO, and CICA.
• Promotion of Civilizational Dialogue: China endorsed Azerbaijan’s “Baku Process” initiative as a vital platform for intercultural dialogue, with both countries committing to fostering mutual respect and understanding among civilizations.

This new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership not only reflects the maturity of Azerbaijan-China relations but also sets a robust framework for deeper collaboration on regional and global challenges. The agreement underscores both nations’ shared vision for peace, development, and inclusive international engagement.