BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 5. The relations between
Azerbaijan and Italy have developed in recent years, not limited to
the diplomatic framework, but have become a model of broad-spectrum
strategic cooperation, based on mutual interests in various
fields.


Political dialogue: main pillar of high-level
relations


Political relations between the two countries are currently at
the highest level. Italy holds a special place as the first
strategic partner of Azerbaijan among European countries, and this
status is confirmed not only by formal statements, but also by
concrete results of cooperation.


The visit of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Italy in
2020 played an important role in the transition of these relations
to a new stage. The intensive dialogue established between
President Ilham Aliyev and President of the Council of Ministers of
Italy Giorgia Meloni in the subsequent period, as well as the
meetings held within the framework of the European Political
Community in Copenhagen, indicate that these relations have
acquired a sustainable character. Meloni's visit to Azerbaijan on
May 4 is a logical continuation of this process.


This visit carries not only political, but also symbolic
significance. Thus, Meloni came to Azerbaijan after participating
in the multilateral event - the European Political Community Summit
held in Armenia, thereby once again demonstrating the special
importance of relations with Baku.


Energy cooperation: Azerbaijan's role in European
security


The energy sector is one of the main directions of the
Azerbaijani-Italian partnership. Azerbaijan plays an important role
in ensuring Italy's energy security and is considered the second
largest partner for this country.


In 2025, the volume of gas exported by Azerbaijan to Italy
amounted to 10 billion cubic meters. In total, the volume of gas
delivered to Italy through the Southern Gas Corridor approached 50
billion cubic meters. These indicators prove that Azerbaijan is a
stable and reliable partner in the European energy market.


At the same time, Azerbaijan has an important position for Italy
in the field of oil exports and acts as the second main supplier in
this direction.


Economic and infrastructure projects: activity of
Italian companies


The activity of Italian companies in large-scale projects
implemented in Azerbaijan is of particular interest. These
companies are implementing large-scale projects both in various
regions of the country and in the liberated territories.


The initiatives implemented in Mingachevir and the construction
work carried out in the liberated territories reflect the active
participation of Italian companies. In addition, Italian
specialists were closely involved in the design process of the
Victory Museums, which allows for the application of international
experience in the presentation of cultural and historical
heritage.


Military-technical cooperation: new stage in field
of security


Cooperation between the two countries is not limited to the
economic and energy sectors. Serious relations have also been
formed in the military-technical direction.


The recent visit of the Azerbaijani Defense Minister to Italy
serves to expand this cooperation. The purchase of cargo aircraft
for the Azerbaijani Air Force is one of the concrete steps in this
area. In addition, mutual activities in other areas of defense are
also continuing.


Humanitarian field: bridge between education and
culture


Humanitarian cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy is also
developing dynamically. One of the most striking examples in the
field of education is the Italian-Azerbaijani University operating
in Azerbaijan. Currently, more than 500 students are studying at
this higher education institution, which indicates that academic
relations between the two countries have entered a new stage.


Cooperation in the field of culture serves to strengthen mutual
understanding and rapprochement between peoples.


Role of Italy in context of European
Union


Italy is one of the important actors in the development of
Azerbaijan's relations with the European Union. This country is
considered one of Azerbaijan's closest partners within the EU and
plays a mediating role in the deepening of Baku-Brussels
relations.


Governance mechanisms and institutional
cooperation


The meeting of the intergovernmental commission held in January
this year shows that bilateral relations are developing on an
institutional basis. This platform is of great importance in terms
of coordinating cooperation in various fields and promoting new
projects.


Continuous dialogue between the leaders of the countries has a
positive impact on the expansion of relations in all directions and
ensures the sustainability of the results achieved.


Prospects: future of strategic
partnership


In general, Italy maintains its position as Azerbaijan's closest
partner within the European Union. Meloni's visit to Azerbaijan
will give impetus to the further strengthening of these relations
and the formation of new areas of cooperation.

All these factors show that Azerbaijani-Italian relations are based
not only on current interests, but also on a long-term strategic
vision, and this partnership will retain its importance on a
regional and global scale in the future.