TIANJIN — September 1, 2025. Azerbaijan’s ties with China have reached “a qualitatively new level” over the past two years, President Ilham Aliyev said Monday at the SCO Plus summit in Tianjin.
Speaking alongside leaders from more than 20 countries, Aliyev called the signing of a strategic partnership declaration with Beijing earlier this year a “historic event” that opened a new chapter in bilateral relations.
“Azerbaijan and China enjoy warm, friendly ties and a comprehensive strategic partnership,” Aliyev told the gathering. “Strengthening these relations is a key priority of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.”
Backing China’s initiatives
Aliyev voiced support for China’s global development, security, and civilization initiatives, as well as President Xi Jinping’s proposal on global governance. He described them as timely steps to improve international relations “on the basis of sovereign equality and respect for the UN Charter and international law.”
Reliable partner in Eurasia
The president stressed that Azerbaijan has become a reliable regional partner for China, citing its contribution to peace, security, and large-scale economic, transport, and energy projects. He noted that Azerbaijan was an early supporter of the Belt and Road Initiative and continues to implement major infrastructure projects under its framework.
Aliyev highlighted the country’s role as a transport hub:
Expansion of the Port of Alat from 15 to 25 million tons annual capacity.
Nearly 90 percent growth in cargo traffic on the Middle Corridor since 2022.
Faster transit times along East–West routes linking China and Central Asia to Europe.
Zangezur corridor in focus
Aliyev said the planned Zangezur corridor will become a crucial segment of both the Middle Corridor and the North–South corridor, strengthening peace and multilateral cooperation. The link between Azerbaijan’s mainland and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, he added, will further expand transit opportunities for international freight.
Broader context
The SCO Plus meeting in Tianjin brought together leaders from more than 20 states and representatives of 10 international organizations. Azerbaijan, which currently holds the status of dialogue partner, has taken part in SCO summits in Samarkand (2022) and Astana (2024).
