On August 31, ahead of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, met with the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping.
The Chinese leader noted that Azerbaijan and China have maintained over 30 years of successful cooperation, and that their ties are now developing at the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. The President of the People’s Republic of China emphasized the growth of trade between our countries, the expansion of cooperation in the energy sector—including renewable energy—and in digitalization. Noting that Azerbaijan-China cooperation is also being strengthened within Xi Jinping’s “Belt and Road” initiative, he emphasized the importance of transporting Chinese goods through Azerbaijan and highlighted the significance of the Trans-Caspian route in this context. The President of the People’s Republic of China stated that his country supports the expansion of Azerbaijan’s relations with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
President Ilham Aliyev, in turn, particularly emphasized the importance of the signed comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.
The head of state noted that Azerbaijan supports China’s position on Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and was among the first countries to condemn the recent elections held in Taiwan.
President Ilham Aliyev noted that trade relations between our countries have seen significant growth. Referring to the “Belt and Road” initiative, he highlighted the increase in transport volumes—particularly of Chinese goods—via the Middle Corridor, which is an important part of the initiative and passes through Azerbaijan, as an example of the corridor’s efficiency and attractiveness. It was also emphasized that tourism relations have developed in recent years following the implementation of the visa-free agreement.
President Ilham Aliyev then met with Ni Zheng, Acting President and Chairman of China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited (“Energy China”). The meeting highlighted Energy China’s cooperation in green energy, including the construction of solar power plants and offshore wind farms in Azerbaijan. Ni Zhen expressed interest in implementing new projects, including wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse, optimization of water management operations, as well as joint construction of photovoltaic panels in water reservoirs.
Ilham Aliyev also met with Se Yi, Founder and Chairman of Sichuan Sunsync Photovoltaic Technology Co. According to AZERTAC, the discussions focused on the near-future establishment of a solar panel manufacturing facility in the Alat Special Economic Zone, designed to meet the most advanced technological standards. It was emphasized that the majority of the products produced there will be intended for export to global markets.
Se Yi stated that Azerbaijan has created a favorable investment environment and that the decision to invest in the country was made in light of the strategic relations between Azerbaijan and China.
The head of state also met with Ju Peng of CETC (China Electronics Technology Group Corporation) and Song Hailiang, Chairman of CCCC (China Communications Construction Company). During the discussion, the parties exchanged views on the development of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor, the participation of these companies in the second phase of the Baku International Sea Trade Port, as well as the advancement of digital technologies. Song Hailiang stated that they will present conceptual proposals for the cleaning and restoration of lakes on the Absheron Peninsula. The meeting also included an exchange of views on large-scale projects aimed at further enhancing Azerbaijan’s transport and transit potential, as the country has become an important transport hub.
