President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has arrived in the Slovak Republic for an official visit, where he was welcomed with full state honors at Bratislava’s Milan Rastislav Štefánik International Airport.
A ceremonial guard of honor lined up to greet the Azerbaijani leader. He was received by Peter Vodrážka, Chief of Staff to Slovakia’s President, along with other officials.
Formal Welcoming Ceremony at the Presidential Palace
Later in the day, an official welcoming ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava.
President Peter Pellegrini personally welcomed President Aliyev as the national anthems of both countries were performed.
The commander of the guard delivered a ceremonial report, after which the two presidents inspected the honor guard. Members of the Azerbaijani delegation were presented to President Pellegrini, and Slovak officials were introduced to President Aliyev.
The two leaders posed for an official photograph, and President Aliyev signed the Book of Honor.
One-on-One Meeting Between the Presidents
President Aliyev and President Pellegrini then held a private meeting, followed by extended-format talks with both delegations.
During their discussions, President Aliyev formally invited his Slovak counterpart to pay an official visit to Azerbaijan next year.
Press Statements: Energy Partnership, Defense Industry, New Projects
Speaking at a joint press conference, President Aliyev underscored that Slovakia and Azerbaijan are “truly friendly nations and strategic partners.”
He highlighted the growing energy cooperation:
“Last year, Azerbaijani gas was exported to Slovakia for the first time. Today, 14 countries import our gas,” Aliyev said.
He added that the development of new gas fields will allow Azerbaijan to further increase supplies.
At present, eight EU member states purchase Azerbaijani gas for their energy security needs.
The president also touched on cooperation in the defense industry:
“Azerbaijan does not seek military confrontation. However, new technological production offers significant potential for the global market. We are working on specific joint projects.”
Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan’s unused renewable energy potential currently stands at 2 GW and is expected to reach 8 GW within five years.
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini emphasized that Azerbaijan could become Slovakia’s long-term strategic partner, especially in energy security. He also said Bratislava aims to pursue joint production, not merely arms sales:
“Defense industry cooperation is important. We want not just to sell weapons, but to establish joint manufacturing and technological collaboration, with the possibility of exporting jointly produced systems to other countries.”
Middle Corridor, IT Cooperation and Regional Connectivity
President Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to the Middle Corridor, noting that Baku identified its foreign-policy priorities long ago. He praised Slovakia’s industrial capacity and independent foreign policy.
The Azerbaijani leader also discussed prospects for cooperation in information technologies, including the creation of new data centers.
Visit to the “Gate of Freedom” Memorial
The two presidents visited the Gate of Freedom Memorial in Bratislava, paying tribute to those who died attempting to escape from former Czechoslovakia between 1948 and 1989.
National anthems again were performed, and the leaders laid a wreath at the monument.
Tour of Devín Castle
President Aliyev and President Pellegrini also toured Devín Castle, one of Slovakia’s most iconic historical sites, located at the confluence of the Morava and Danube rivers.
Azerbaijan’s delegation was briefed on the ancient fortress, which has been a major cultural and archaeological site for over a century. The castle is first mentioned in chronicles dating back to 864 and played a significant role during the era of Great Moravia and later as a Hungarian border stronghold.
