The Accomplishments of the Republic of Azerbaijan in International Diplomacy and in Geoeconomics (2020 – 2025)

Abstract

This research paper delves into the foreign policy achievements of the Republic of Azerbaijan under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, during a period of the last five years (2020 – 2025). This research casts an analytical focus over the impressive role of Baku in securing peace and economic prosperity in the South Caucasus region; geopolitical posture that directly benefits the stability and security of European Union countries. Moreover, attempts to provide a full spectrum tradition of statecraft that President Aliyev has reflected upon the world through his unbridled leadership and visionary statecraft.

Keywords: Republic of Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev, Foreign Policy, Armenia, United States of America, European Union, Paraguay, Republic of Croatia, Central Asia, Republic of Italy, Republic of Kazakhstan, Republic of Uzbekistan.

ı. Introduction

Immediately after the signing of the trilateral statement on November 10^th, 2020, which ended the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, Azerbaijan initiated the normalization of bilateral relations with Armenia on the basis of the norms and principles of international law. Although the diplomatic engagement of the Government of Azerbaijan produced historic tangible results, perhaps the most important in Eurasia since the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9^th, 1989, the administration of Charles Michel at the European Council was feckless in facilitating a direct dialogue between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia; the first trilateral meeting hosted by the EU in Brussels took place on December 14^th, 2021, between President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. [1]

Conversely, the U. S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met with Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Affairs Minister Jeyhun Bayramov separately, on October 23^rd, 2020, in Washington, D.C.; merely seventeen days before the historic signing of this Statement, demonstrating the genuine interest of the first Trump Administration and high level of importance that Azerbaijan has acquired in the priorities of U. S. Foreign Policy Architecture. [2]

In late 2020, U. S. Secretary Pompeo has actively played an instrumental role towards ending the violence, protect civilians and encouraged the sides to enter in substantive negotiations, while preserving the full territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

In continuation of this framework, in February 2022 the Government of Azerbaijan presented to the Armenian side the basic principles for the agreement that could form the foundation of inter-state relations between the two countries. Simultaneously, the proposal to carry out the delimitation of the state border between Armenia and Azerbaijan was presented, and the process of opening communications between the two countries - as the third direction of the normalization process – was initiated.

In 2021-2023 negotiations on bilateral draft agreement started between the parties, both countries established border delimitation commissions, and the meetings were underway. Additionally, a working group, co-chaired by the Deputy Prime Ministers of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, was formed to address the opening of transport communications.

Despite ongoing negotiations on various platforms, concrete results were far from materialization, in all three tracks of the normalization process. This period coincides with the astonishing lack of diplomatic leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration in the South Caucasus region and beyond.

The primary impediment to the normalization process in 2020-2023 stemmed from Armenia’s failure to fulfill its obligations under the trilateral statement of November 10^th, 2020. Particularly, Armenia did not fully withdraw its armed forces from the territories of Azerbaijan, and instead, provided direct support to the illegal separatist regime it had installed within Azerbaijan, encompassing political, diplomatic, military-technical and financial assistance.

A pivotal shift occurred after Azerbaijan’s local anti-terrorism measures undertaken on 19-20 September 2023, compelling Armenia to disarm and withdraw its illegal forces, and drive, overwhelmingly pressure its illegal regime within Azerbaijani territory to disband itself. This process concluded with a full restoration of the sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan over its Karabakh region.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan informed that:

“The elimination of this major obstacle to the normalization process has opened a historic opportunity for both countries to establish relations based on mutual recognition of and respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity.” [3]

Currently, the process of negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia continues on a bilateral basis; and this dynamic has profoundly shaped the execution of Azerbaijan’s Foreign Policy and its Diplomatic engagement across the world. Baku’s principal role as a catalyst of regional peace and economic prosperity in Eurasia as well as its dynamic relations with Central Asian Countries, Italy and Croatia, will be the focus of this research-based analysis.

As the new global centers of gravity emerge, the EU has become the largest trade and investment partner of Baku. EU-Azerbaijan MoU signed in July 2022 is an important gesture in terms of stable and affordable natural gas supply and opens new opportunities for a potential export of green electricity to Europe. The introduction of Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romania-Hungary, Black Sea submarine cable Project, will accelerate energy transition among the participating states. Azerbaijan has emerged as a deeply valuable Strategic Partner in the exports of green energy to Europe.

Alongside this backdrop, Washington, under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, has pursued an agenda that aims to coordinate the democratization of institutions and embolden regional security policies within the territorial space of the pro-western nations: Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Moldova. [4]

According to Prof. Ing. Héctor Rubén Paz (the Dean of the College of Exact Sciences and Technologies – UNSE):

“The November 6^th (2025) U. S. - Central Asia Summit, was a great accomplishment of the Trump White House as the U. S. Department of State has allocated all tools of statecraft towards securing unhindered access to Strategic Minerals. The C5+1 Geoeconomic Alliance and Summit, led by President Trump (encompassing all five Central Asian leaders and the U.S. Government) was a historic milestone as it brought together for the first time the six leaders to Washington. The strategic aspirations of the Trump - Vance Administration, regional economic integration and trade partnerships recently shaped within the framework of C5+1 Summit will also benefit the Republic of Azerbaijan in the years to come.” [5]

ıı. Azerbaijan, integration with Central Asia Region

Despite of devastating consequences and unhealed wounds of war and occupation, Azerbaijan has emerged as a nation that respects Armenia’s state borders and upholds the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations within their state borders, as recognized internationally.

In the geopolitical dynamics of Eastern Partnership, Azerbaijan plays a pivotal role in connecting the markets and economies of Central Asia with European Union. [6]

Azerbaijan continues to perceive the Eastern Partnership as an important complementary platform for the development of bilateral EU-Azerbaijan relations, based on mutual respect, equal partnership, shared interests and economic benefits. The privileged geographic position of Azerbaijan makes the Government of President Ilham Aliyev to significantly contribute to the economic growth and industrial development of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other thriving Central Asian nations.

On October 20–21, 2025, President Ilham Aliyev conducted a state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan. [7]

The meeting of Azerbaijan’s head of state with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was strategically important for both nations, in the sphere of transportation and logistics. The signed bilateral documents seek to expand the Middle Corridor and optimize cargo flows between the ports of Baku and Aktau. Additionally, according to Mehbube Mehdiyeva (an International Affairs expert of the Azerbaijan State News Agency): “both governments agreed to implement new technological systems to ensure faster and safer transit operations between the two countries.” [8]

The October 2025, official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Kazakhstan represents a new chapter in the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two brotherly nations. These meetings were not simply a matter of diplomatic protocol but a strategically significant event that underscored the growing integration within the Turkic world. [9]

Both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have shaped a pragmatic bilateral agenda in the fields of energy, transportation and logistics, digital technologies, economic integration, culture, and education. These discussions between Ilham Aliyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev encompassed the development of the Middle Corridor project; both heads of state emphasized that this corridor serves as a vital economic artery for stability, security, and economic prosperity across the Eurasian landmass.

Moreover, a bilateral agreement was reached between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund on the establishment of a joint investment mechanism.

This agreement arranged the groundwork for joint research on energy markets and the implementation of new projects in the future.

In the cultural and humanitarian domain, new agreements were accomplished in university education, culture, healthcare, and scientific research. The two governments decided to enhance youth exchanges and organize joint cultural festivals and exhibitions.

In the field of regional economic cooperation, both leaders discussed the transportation of Kazakh products through the territory of Azerbaijan to other countries in Europe; these measures will further strengthen the presence of Kazakhstan’s products in international markets.

On November 15^th, 2025, President Ilham Aliyev held a one-on-one meeting with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in Tashkent. In this meeting, both heads of state emphasized the successful development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, which are based on a multifaceted alliance and strategic partnership. [10]

During this visit, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev participated in the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia that was a perfect milestone towards a greater integration of Azerbaijan with the fraternal states of Central Asia; and expansion of regional cooperation in the fields of: economic integration, commerce, political dialogue, transportation, investment, energy, cultural and humanitarian spheres, and digital economies. [11]

According to Aybaniz Ismayilova (a Research Fellow at ADA University’s Institute for Development and Diplomacy [IDD]):

“Cooperation between Azerbaijan and the five Central Asian states has recently been upgraded from a bilateral economic partnership into a consistent and dynamic geopolitical axis shaped by the shifting strategic landscape of the Silk Road region.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s most recent visit to Uzbekistan to attend the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders marked a significant milestone in the country’s long-term foreign policy strategy. As a result of this groundbreaking visit, Azerbaijan became a full member of the C5 format, prompting further diversification of Central Asia’s policy agenda. […] In recent years, Central Asia has deliberately constructed a platform for internal synergy and strengthened regional autonomy.” [12]

On February 19^th (Thursday), 2026, U. S. President Donald Trump convened in Washington, D.C., the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace, were the leaders of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan participated as its founding members. This historic global event was a genuine testimony to a high-level synergy, harmony that exists between the three brotherly nations. Baku and Tashkent have recently shaped a well-defined strategic compass in the realm of International Politics as the two landlocked countries are intrinsically faced with a fragile global security environment and rising new economic and military powers. [13]

Uzbekistan is a strategic nation for Azerbaijan. Both nations have common roots, moral values, language, ethnic similarities, and a rich historical and cultural heritage. For many centuries, the fraternal nations of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have maintained a deep sympathy and respect for each other, the constant interstate relations are successfully developing upon this solid foundation.

As the Republic of Uzbekistan is actively exploring trade and economic partnerships with the Republic of Paraguay and other member nations of MERCOSUR, the Republic of Azerbaijan will indispensably play a vital supply chain management role with its advanced airport infrastructure and the Port of Baku, serving as Paraguay’s genuine bridgehead to trade cooperation and commerce with Uzbekistan and Central Asia region.

On February 26^th, 2026, during his working visit to the Republic of Paraguay, the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, held a series of meetings aimed at increasing trade, economic and investment cooperation between Asuncion and Tashkent. Investment Minister Laziz Kudratov, met with Paraguayan officials to discuss a potential industrial cooperation program for 2026–2027 covering agribusiness, energy, mining, chemical industry and textiles. The agenda includes launching joint projects under Paraguay’s attractive legislation for foreign investments, which offers unparalleled tax incentives for export-oriented production, and announced the approval of Paraguayan beef and sheep meat to be exported to Uzbekistan. It is abundantly clear that Azerbaijan will increasingly help synchronize the commercial and industrial cooperation that is expected to flourish between the Governments of Paraguay and Uzbekistan.

The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), established in 2023, as an intermodal transportation continental asset will minimize environmental impact and offer a “one-stop-shop” service for the upcoming Paraguayan Beef Cargo delivery operations, through the territory of Azerbaijan, while enhancing transportation efficiency, provide transparency in tariffs mechanism, and ensure a timely delivery of commodities.

The bilateral alliance between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan is currently placed at the highest strategic level. Over the last 18 months, both heads of state have officially met five times in either Baku or Tashkent; the leader of Uzbekistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is a prominent statesman and a great friend of Azerbaijan.

During these influential visits, dozens of important documents have been signed, including the Declaration on the Further Strengthening of Strategic Partnership, the Treaty on Allied Relations, the Roadmap for the Implementation of the Treaty on Allied Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan for the period 2025-2029.

The Azerbaijan - Uzbekistan relations in all sectors is destined to forge greater bilateral and regional partnerships within a common geographic region, stretching from Central Asia and the Caspian region to Eastern Europe.

The Supreme Interstate Council established in August 2023 has immensely contributed to defining the development strategy for Baku and Tashkent.

According to President Ilham Aliyev: “Uzbekistan has consistently supported the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my gratitude to fraternal

Uzbekistan for its contribution to the restoration of Karabakh, for the construction of a school named after the great Uzbek scholar Mirzo Ulugbek in liberated Fuzuli where over 600 students are currently studying.” [14]

As global order is experiencing profound geopolitical uncertainties, cooperation between the two governments is constantly thriving in the bilateral sphere and international organizations. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are active members of the Organization of Turkic States, making a significant contribution to the strengthening of Turkic unity and economic – industrial integration.

Bilateral Economic cooperation between Baku and Tashkent has shown an admirable growth. Since 2017, bilateral trade has increased 9.5 times, from US$32.4 million to more than US$300 million in 2025, with an average annual growth rate of 32–34 percent. Uzbekistan’s exports grew eightfold, while imports from Azerbaijan increased sixteen-fold, shared by a significant diversification of commodities characterizing the two nations. Cooperation is increasingly shifting from a raw-material model towards an expanded value-added level of commerce.

Baku’s strong partnership with Tashkent is reflected within the framework of multilateral institutions, including: the United Nations, UNESCO, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

On February 19^th, 2026, the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Baku hosted a roundtable discussion focused on “Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan: The Architecture of Allied Cooperation.”

This interactive roundtable brought together scholars and experts from leading research centers and institutions of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, including representatives of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan and the International Institute for Central Asia.

The participants reviewed the current state of Uzbek–Azerbaijan relations, the most promising areas for economic and investment cooperation, the development of transport and energy corridors, and the potential for collaboration in education, science, culture, and digital transformation.

According to Akramjon Ne’matov (First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies): “a special attention was given to the strategic importance of Azerbaijan’s participation in the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia, issues of regional identity formation, and strengthening of interregional connectivity between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.” [15]

The December 12^th, 2022, negotiations between the EU and Azerbaijan, opened a new chapter of economic cooperation in the context of transportation, shipment of agricultural commodities, and land connectivity between Central Asia and European Union markets. In 2022, the region wide

economic and investment possibilities of the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor reached new levels of growth.

The transportation of goods via Azerbaijan’s territory increased by 70 percent in 2022. The emerging development of transportation and logistical hubs in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, including the Zangazur Corridor will play a positive role for regional peace and sustainability, and will foster intra-regional trade.

Furthermore, Azerbaijan has embarked on a large-scale ambitious post-conflict rehabilitation, reconstruction and reintegration efforts. In 2023 1.8 billion USD was allocated from State Budget for this purpose.

As western Asia is faced with a multifaceted geopolitical equation:

Khojaly transportation infrastructure with its geographic location is an important economic artery of the Republic of Azerbaijan and of the entire Central Asia region.

The reconstruction of this magnificent city and its transportation architecture, taking place under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, is taking shape very fast and in the next few years we will see the inauguration of a modern internationally recognized airport in Khojaly that will be used by other nations in Central Asia and have an indispensable role towards the economic integration of South Caucasus countries. The government of Azerbaijan is pursuing a highly effective economic diplomacy that will further strengthen the geopolitical role of Dağlıq Qarabağ in the world stage.

In 2022, the first group of displaced persons had already been resettled in the newly built Aghali village marking the practical start of the “Great Return” program, which targets around seven hundred thousand citizens of Azerbaijan, that were FORCIBLY DISPLACED.

In the last semester of 2022, Azerbaijani Government supported by the EU, was able to extract over 2,728 anti-personnel landmines that were planted in 2021 by the Armenia terrorists, in the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan. The minefield of newly planted Armenian-manufactured mines was inspected by the leadership of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and the Joint Russian-Turkish Monitoring Center, as well as by various military attaches of the embassies accredited in Azerbaijan.

In the economic integration sphere, Azerbaijan and EU are working side by side to execute EU’s Economic and Investment Plan in Azerbaijan and this is a positive example of a concrete development-oriented cooperation. Massive contamination of territories of Azerbaijan with land mines and other explosive devices is a key challenge to post-conflict rehabilitation projects and reconstruction.

Since the signing of November 10^th, 2020, Trilateral Statement, 268 Azerbaijani civilians have been victims of mine explosions, 45 were killed and 223 wounded among them 9 children, 1 woman, 3 media representatives.

By recklessly disregarding the rising humanitarian consequences on almost every day, Armenia refuses to share a complete list and accurate information on the minefields. On the contrary, it planted new landmines at a massive scale in the territory of Azerbaijan, until September 19^th, 2023. [16]

ııı. Azerbaijan and Croatia: Energy – Economic partnership

The Republic of Croatia, a member of the European Union since 2013, has harnessed a strategic alliance with the Republic of Azerbaijan. In 2025, both nations commemorated the 30^th anniversary of diplomatic relations. [17]

Azerbaijan and Croatia have intensified their commercial, economic, political and parliament to parliament cooperation.

A significant contribution in the strengthening of such a fruitful partnership is the frequency of high-level official visits among both governments, in 2023 – 2024 Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković visited Azerbaijan twice (in November 2023 he paid an official visit, and in November 2024 he took part at COP29 Summit in Baku). Moreover, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and President Mr. Ilham Aliyev have conducted two meetings in the sidelines of Davos Forum in 2024 and 2025. The cordial and close partnership is reflected in the relations between the two parliaments and business sector representing both economies. Energy cooperation is the main pillar of the Azerbaijan – Croatia alliance, bilateral economic cooperation is also performing well. Azerbaijan supplies Croatia with oil, thus playing an important role in Zagreb’s energy security. Both governments are developing gas projects and are in the initial stages of developing renewable energy initiatives.

Recently, Croatia has emerged as a leading nation in sustainable technologies, and this asset bodes well with Azerbaijan’s aspirations to diversify its renewable energy economy. Furthermore, sectors like IT, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture are at the inception stage of cooperation between both nations.

Enhanced cultural projects and improved travel conditions are attracting more tourists from Croatia to Baku and strategic investments in tourism and hospitality are taking place from business representatives of both countries.

According to Gordan Jandroković, speaker of the Croatian Parliament:

“Croatia and Azerbaijan are strategic partners and friendly countries while upholding intensive political dialogue and excellent economic relations. Azerbaijan’s outstanding economic achievements and its important role in the South Caucasus and International Diplomacy, is an inspirational model for us in Southeast Europe.” [18]

In this backdrop the Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković underlines: "Connectivity is a means of cooperation in the global and increasingly fragmented world. Improving connectivity between Europe and Asia is paramount as there is no other alternative." These strategic commercial routes that connect EU with Central Asian markets, cross into the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The vision, strategic planning, inspirational change and leadership maverick of President Ilham Aliyev have proved to be vital for the development of international energy – connectivity projects and construction of the Southern Gas Corridor. President Aliyev’s statecraft and elevated moral compass have enabled Croatia and other EU nations to diversify their sources of gas supply.

Bakhtiyar Salmanov (an MPA graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science [LSE]) argues that: “The emerging

Middle Corridor, spanning China, the Silk Road region (Central Asia and the South Caucasus), Türkiye, and Europe, similarly depends on collaboration among states, institutions, and private actors. It represents the collective pursuit of a Eurasian transport network that can diversify supply chains and broaden the region’s strategic connectivity options.” [19]

The Croatian EU Council Presidency in January – June 2020, prioritized the Eastern Partnership and economic cooperation with Central Asia and Azerbaijan. The European Union is the world's second largest economy, accounting for one fifth of the world's GDP, and Plenković’s chairmanship was focused on a Europe that connects and he made headway in alleviating the continent’s abysmal levels of uneven economic development and contained the ongoing immigration crisis.

Croatia has historically been a strong advocate of the expansion of trans-European commercial corridors, and the Adriatic-Ionian Road infrastructure is a geoeconomic asset that benefits Azerbaijani economy and exports from Central Asian countries.

The Ionian Adriatic Pipeline, as an extended gas transportation in Southeastern Europe, will bring gas from Azerbaijan to Europe, and Croatia is one of its final destinations. [20]

November 6^th, 2023, is a historic date in the strategic relations between Baku and Zagreb. On this date, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković conducted an official visit to Azerbaijan and met with President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Ali Asadov as well as with the Speaker of Azerbaijan Parliament the Hon. Sahiba Gafarova. The leaders of both industrialized nations discussed economic cooperation, the growing presence of Croatian companies on the Azerbaijani market, the role of the European Union in acting as a mediator towards reaching a peace agreement with Armenia, and the indispensable support that the Croatian Government has provided in the difficult task of demining operations inside the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan.

For PM Andrej Plenković: “Croatia’s position is that territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and international law should be respected, Baku is strategically important for Croatia; we continue

with energy and economic cooperation.” [21] Both nations have signed 26 bilateral agreements consisting of economic, education, energy, commercial and cultural cooperation.

On May 20^th, 2025, Zagreb hosted the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev to participate in the regular bilateral consultations between Azerbaijan and Croatia.

In this meeting, the Republic of Croatia was represented by State Secretary for Political Affairs Frano Matušić. During the talks, both diplomats reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening overall cooperation, with a special emphasis on intensifying the bilateral political dialogue and developing new pathways of joined economic partnerships. [22]

In a friendly and brotherly atmosphere, the two sides exchanged views on past cooperation and expressed satisfaction with the development of these relations. The importance of continuous political dialogue at all levels was emphasized. In this context, numerous meetings and events were announced, including the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and involvement of Azerbaijan in the Dubrovnik Forum.

The current thrusts of cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan were particularly highlighted, as well as future cooperation, considering Azerbaijan’s important role in connecting Europe and Asia through the Middle Corridor and other commercial routes. The Croatian Government has expressed its interest to give a preferential treatment to Azerbaijan’s industrial products and agricultural commodities, to use the Croatian sea ports (Rijeka, Zadar, Šibenik, Split, Ploče) as points of entry into the markets of Southeastern European countries. [23] In 2023 Azerbaijan exported over USD590,000.00 worth of goods to Croatia and imported USD4,800.00 worth of goods from Zagreb. [24]

IV. Italy and Azerbaijan: a thriving bilateral alliance

On September 4^th, 2024, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, begun his official visit to Italy, at the invitation of the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella. Azerbaijan and Italy have forged a strategic partnership over the last decade and economic, trade and political cooperation has reached the highest levels. President Ilham Aliyev was welcomed by the Italian President Sergio Mattarella, both leaders discussed the ongoing regional events and the energy future of Europe. Italy and Azerbaijan have shaped a strategic alliance that will certainly endure the test of time.

On September 5, 2024, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev and Giorgia Meloni, President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic attended a ceremony of the exchange of documents signed between Azerbaijan and Italy, in Rome.

The “Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Eni S.p.A company of the Italian Republic on biofuel and biomaterials” (a trilateral document) was exchanged by Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, and Claudio Descalzi, CEO of the Italian company Eni S.p.A.

The “Memorandum of Understanding between the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Eni S.p.A company of the Italian Republic on cooperation in oil and gas production and midstream projects for energy supply security” was exchanged by Rovshan Najaf, President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan, and Claudio Descalzi, CEO of the Italian company Eni S.p.A.

The “Memorandum of Understanding between the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Eni S.p.A company of the Italian Republic on energy transition and greenhouse gas reduction” was exchanged by Rovshan Najaf, President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan, and Claudio Descalzi, CEO of the Italian company Eni S.p.A.

For the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev: “Italy and Azerbaijan have worked as strategic partners for many years, and the corresponding declaration was adopted almost ten years ago. Our cooperation covers many areas, and we have regular political contacts. This is my third visit to Italy since 2020, and President Mattarella paid a visit to Azerbaijan in 2018. High-level contacts demonstrate that we are very close partners.”

On September 5th, as part of the Azerbaijani President’s working visit to Italy, Rome hosted the Italy-Azerbaijan roundtable. The event was co-organized by the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), the Confederation of the Italian Industry (Confindustria), and Italy’s Ministry for Enterprises and Made in Italy. The roundtable brought together officials and over 40 entrepreneurs from sectors such as energy, chemicals, the automotive industry, pharmaceuticals, construction, and metallurgy.

According to the Azerbaijan State News Agency: “Mikayil Jabbarov, Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister, characterized Azerbaijan-Italy relations as strategic, describing Italy as Azerbaijan’s largest trade partner.” Minister Jabbarov emphasized the importance of “strengthening cooperation with Italy, particularly noting the successful involvement of numerous Italian companies in various sectors of Azerbaijan’s economy, including their activity in the liberated Azerbaijani territories.” The minister stressed that the discussions and agreements reached at the roundtable would create new opportunities and further enhance relations between the two countries.

Adolfo Urso, Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy, and Emanuele Orsini, President of the Confederation of the Italian Industry (Confindustria), emphasized the strategic energy

partnership between Azerbaijan and Italy, highlighting the potential for expanding bilateral cooperation in the non-oil sector.

Other speakers included Yusif Abdullayev, Executive Director of AZPROMO, Orkhan Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of Azerbaijan’s Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA), Ulvi Mansurov, Executive Director of “Azerbaijan Investment Company” OJSC, and Elkin Nurmammadov, Vice Rector of Azerbaijan’s ADA University. They provided insights into Azerbaijan’s export and investment potential.

The discussions also focused on boosting cooperation in sectors such as industry, renewables, infrastructure, transport, textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

The event concluded with the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) between AZPROMO and Confindustria, Azerbaijan’s Matanat A and Italy’s Dromont Comec, “Improtex Industries” LLC and Leonardo Electronics, and Saloğlu and Italy’s Visionnaire – İPA and Biesse S.P.A. companies. These documents envisage joint production, services, research, project development, and experience exchange. The Azerbaijani delegation also held meetings with representatives of the Italian Trade Agency, Annatura Company, Scorpio Group, and Coldiretti Company.

On September 6, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the session titled “Azerbaijan’s role in the new geopolitical environment” at the International Cernobbio Forum themed “Intelligence on the World, Europe, and Italy.”

In his speech, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized:

“I came here from Rome, where yesterday I had meetings with President Mattarella, who made a great speech this morning, and Prime Minister Meloni. During our meetings and discussions, we once again reconfirmed the strategic character of our bilateral ties. Italy and Azerbaijan have worked as strategic partners for many years. The corresponding declaration was adopted almost ten years ago. Our cooperation covers many areas. We have regular political contacts. This is my third visit to Italy since 2020, and President Mattarella paid a visit to Azerbaijan in 2018. High-level contacts demonstrate that we are very close partners.

We have very active trade cooperation. Italy is Azerbaijan’s number one trading partner in the world. Last year, our trade turnover was close to 16 billion US dollars. We see potential for growth not only in the energy sector but also in other sectors. Azerbaijan is the Italy’s number one oil supplier and number two gas supplier. This is also an important part of our cooperation.

Energy supplies today clearly demonstrate that national security cannot be separated from energy security. The 3,500 km integrated pipeline system from Azerbaijan to Italy, known as the Southern Gas Corridor, today ensures energy security for ten countries. We now have ten countries receiving gas from Azerbaijan, seven of which are members of the European Union.

That is probably why the European Commission calls Azerbaijan a pan-European gas supplier and a reliable partner.

But as I said, the pipeline starts in Azerbaijan and ends in Italy. But its route, with extensions and interconnectors, covers a broad European and Eurasian geography with strong growth potential. Today we are in the process of negotiations with at least three European countries with respect to the gas supply.

Of course, energy and trade are not the only part of our bilateral agenda. We are also actively working on humanitarian issues. The Italy-Azerbaijan University, which has already started functioning, is a great example of the diversification of our cooperation. Five leading Italian universities like Luiss, Sapienza, Bologna, Milan, and Torino, and Azerbaijan’s ADA University, have created this joint venture, which will be instrumental in our future cooperation. The students who are already studying and those who will study there will naturally be connected to Italy. They will know the Italian language, Italian culture and the great historical heritage of the Italian people. [25]

[…] When relations are built on mutual trust, mutual respect, and recognition of mutual interests, then we see progress. That is how relations must be built between countries, which are situated far from each other and belong to different continents.”

V. Conclusion

Today, our societies stand at a critical geopolitical juncture. Azerbaijan, over the last twenty-three years President Ilham Aliyev has guided his nation towards a path of successful diplomatic engagements, establishment of strategic alliances with Central Asian nations and key European governments. President Aliyev has leveraged new technologies, strengthen democratic institutions and has articulated a vision that strengthens Baku’s geopolitical role as a mediation platform used to normalize the Turkish Israeli relations.

Inara Yagubova (a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Development and Diplomacy at ADA University) emphasizes that: “Azerbaijan’s strategic recalibration of the terms of its international participation has not only improved the country’s political power but also widened the scope of its foreign policy objectives. Baku is increasingly coordinating its diplomatic engagement with tangible contributions to international development and humanitarian endeavors in an effort to project an image of itself as a trustworthy and accountable player on the global scene.” [26]

In early 2014, the liberal democracy principles - that were heralded as the prevailing force in the ideological struggle of the Second World War and the Cold War – began to shatter and a cascade of geopolitical factors significantly undermined transatlantic democratic values. In this new era of emerging geostrategic flashpoints, the Republic of Azerbaijan has harnessed strong economic

and political partnerships with the Central Asian nations, Türkiye, Israel, European countries, and the United Arab Emirates.

The post-Cold War order has ended, Washington’s special global supremacy in the international landscape is over. Full stop. The propensity of economic growth and industrial innovation landscape has a brighter future in prosperous nations including Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates and Türkiye, whose role in geopolitical affairs is pivotal and their coveted respective geographic locations are the fulcrum of international trade.

Endnotes:

[1]https://aircenter.az/en/single/a-conceptual-view-of-azerbaijan-european-union-relations--oped-1961

[2]https://2017-2021.state.gov/secretary-pompeos-meetings-with-armenian-foreign-minister-mnatsakanyan-and-azerbaijani-foreign-minister-bayramov/

[3]https://www.mfa.gov.az/en/category/end-of-the-conflict-in-november-2020-and-post-conflict-situation/azerbaycan-ermenistan-normallasma-prosesi
https://idd.az/en/pressroom/2346

[4] https://mfa.gov.az/files/shares/Diplomatiya%20alemi/Diplomatiya_Alemi_38.pdf

[5]

Prof. Ing. Héctor Rubén Paz is the Dean of the College of Exact Sciences and Technologies (La Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Tecnologías, La Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero [FCET - UNSE]), Santiago del Estero – Argentina); currently serving his THIRD term as the leader of FCET - UNSE. In 2017-2025 Prof. Ing. Héctor R. Paz was the Chancellor of the National University of Santiago del Estero, Santiago del Estero, Argentina. In 2014-2015 Dean Héctor Rubén Paz was the President of CONFEDI (Consejo Federal de Decanos de Ingeniería), and served simultaneously as President of ASIBEI (Asociación Iberoamericana de Instituciones de Enseñanza de Ingeniería).

https://eurasianet.org/the-us-central-asia-summit-the-end-of-the-beginning

https://www.state.gov/c51

https://carnegieendowment.org/russia-eurasia/politika/2025/11/trump-central-asia-new-deals

https://globalinfo.az/azerbaycan-muharibe-tereflerini-bir-araya-getire-bilecek-en-ugurlu-olkedir-amerikali-politoloqla-musahibe/

[6] https://mfa.gov.az/en/news/no57522

[7]

https://president.az/en/articles/view/70375/print

https://video.azertag.az/en/video/277907

[8]

https://president.az/en/articles/view/70387

https://astanatimes.com/2025/10/azerbaijani-president-to-pay-state-visit-to-kazakhstan/

[9]