BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 23.
Azerbaijan-China relations have reached the level of a
comprehensive strategic partnership, Shahin Mustafayev, Deputy
Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, said at the reception
in Baku marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the
People’s Republic of China, Trend's correspondent reports from the event.


He noted that the People’s Republic of China, under the
leadership of President Xi Jinping, is growing stronger every year
and today stands as one of the leading nations in contemporary
global politics.


Shahin Mustafayev emphasized that Azerbaijani-Chinese relations
are rooted in ancient history and rich traditions. According to
him, the high level of mutual trust and support between the two
countries is also clearly evident on the international stage.


“Our relations have developed even more dynamically, especially
in recent years, and have entered a qualitatively new phase. The
political will and joint efforts of President of the Republic of
Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and General Secretary of the Chinese
Communist Party Xi Jinping played a decisive role in this,” the
Deputy Prime Minister stated.


He emphasized that in April 2025, during President Ilham
Aliyev’s state visit to China, a Joint Statement was signed
establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two
countries.


According to Shahin Mustafayev, this historic document, which
laid the foundation for a new phase in the development of bilateral
relations, was an important outcome of the heads of state’s
strategic vision.


“The continued intensive contacts at the level of heads of state
over the past period, as well as regular reciprocal visits at
various levels, once again demonstrate the strong momentum of
Azerbaijan-China relations. Today, in accordance with the
instructions of the heads of state, important steps are being taken
to enrich our comprehensive strategic partnership with practical
content,” he added.


The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the positive momentum of
political dialogue is also reflected in regular reciprocal visits
and high-level contacts.


“In 2026, a series of reciprocal visits took place between the
Republic of Azerbaijan and the People’s Republic of China through
the ministries of foreign affairs, interparliamentary relations,
the general prosecutor’s offices, and the ministries of defense.
Regular reciprocal visits by party delegations also play an
important role in the development of bilateral relations,” Shahin
Mustafayev noted.


He emphasized that, in addition to political dialogue, mutually
beneficial cooperation is steadily expanding in the fields of trade
and the economy, investment, transportation and transit, green
energy, digital development, culture and humanitarian aid, tourism,
interregional relations, and other areas.


In addition, Shahin Mustafayev noted that the activities of the
Intergovernmental Joint Commission are of great importance for the
practical implementation of the set tasks. According to him, the
Commission regularly reviews key areas of cooperation and discusses
next steps.


The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the growing and
steady development of Azerbaijani-Chinese trade and economic
cooperation.


“Just as China is one of our country’s leading economic and
trade partners, Azerbaijan is also China’s main trade partner in
the South Caucasus region. Trade turnover for the first seven
months of 2026 increased by 4.5% compared to the same period last
year, reaching $2.16 billion,” he said.


Shahin Mustafayev noted that consistent efforts are underway to
further expand trade ties and promote Azerbaijani products in the
Chinese market.


“The Azerbaijani trade mission, which has been operating in
China since 2018, as well as six Azerbaijani trading houses
established in various cities across the country, play an important
role in this effort,” added the Deputy Prime Minister.