Tianjin, August 31, 2025 – Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held a meeting today with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, underlining the growing strength of relations between Baku and Beijing.
The two leaders posed for a joint photograph before talks, with Xi welcoming Aliyev as “my dear friend” and thanking him for attending both the “SCO Plus” summit and the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over fascism and foreign aggression.
Xi praised more than three decades of successful bilateral cooperation, stressing that relations have now evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership. He highlighted rising trade volumes, expanding cooperation in energy, renewables, and digital technologies, and the increasing role of Azerbaijan within the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly via the Trans-Caspian transport corridor.
“China values Azerbaijan’s support and welcomes its closer engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization,” Xi said, also emphasizing the importance of direct dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia to secure lasting peace in the South Caucasus. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.
President Aliyev, in turn, congratulated China on the anniversary celebrations and recalled his own state visit to Beijing, which he said gave a strong impetus to bilateral cooperation. He underlined that ties with China remain a priority in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy and welcomed the signing of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.
Aliyev reaffirmed Baku’s support for Beijing’s positions on Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang, noting that Azerbaijan was among the first countries to condemn the recent elections in Taiwan. He also pointed to the significant increase in trade and praised the effectiveness of the Middle Corridor, a vital component of the Belt and Road Initiative that facilitates growing Chinese cargo transit through Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijani leader stressed that peace with Armenia has already been established through direct bilateral negotiations, and highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation within international organizations. Both sides welcomed recent advances in tourism, boosted by the entry into force of a visa-free travel agreement.
The discussions concluded with a broad exchange of views on future cooperation between Azerbaijan and China, underscoring shared priorities in connectivity, trade, and regional stability.
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