BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 13. Italy and
Azerbaijan will adopt an Action Plan for the development of the
economic partnership, Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
and International Cooperation, Edmondo Cirielli said in an
exclusive interview with Trend on the occasion of the Sixth Session of the
Italy-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Commission in Baku.
Cirielli pointed out that the Intergovernmental Commission will
represent the perfect venue to build upon the positive momentum
created by the official visit to Baku of the President of the
Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, on the occasion of the
inauguration with President Ilham Aliyev of the new campus of the
Italian-Azerbaijani University (October 1st, 2025), and on the
meeting in Rome between the Italian Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, and the Minister of
Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, on November 27,
2025.
“As our bilateral cooperation is deepening in the framework of
excellent high-level political dialogue, I deem there is fertile
ground to further expanding the scope of the partnership between
Italy and Azerbaijan and to broaden the perimeter of our economic
cooperation, beyond the strategic oil and gas sector,” he said.
The deputy FM pointed out that in this regard, the
Intergovernmental Commission will focus on enhancing cooperation in
multiple fields of common interest and pursuing shared objectives,
including fostering further opportunities of investment and
business opportunities in both countries, increasing the share of
Italy’s exports as well as the participation of Italian companies
to the realization of key projects in Azerbaijan.
“As the Italian Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Commission, I
look forward to working with my colleague, the Minister of Energy
of Azerbaijan, Parviz Shahbazov, and with all the other ministries
involved to further developing and consolidating the economic
partnership with Azerbaijan in key sectors, such as energy,
transport, infrastructure, IT, health, customs, tourism, urban
planning, science and education,” Cirielli added.
He noted that the Intergovernmental Commission will give the
opportunity to have a comprehensive discussion on how to expand the
economic and trade ties.
“In this regard, one key outcome of the meeting will be the
adoption of an Action Plan which will be our guiding compass for
the development of the economic partnership between Italy and
Azerbaijan. The Intergovernmental Commission will also serve as a
preparation to the foreseen Business Forum between Italy and
Azerbaijan, which was discussed by ministers Tajani and Bayramov
during their most recent meeting in Rome and that is expected to
take place later this year with the participation of private
companies in a selected number of priority areas for the
development of our business relations. At the same time, we are
keen to accelerate negotiations on new agreements and memoranda to
enhance bilateral cooperation,” said the deputy FM.
Expanding energy cooperation
Cirielli went on to add that the Southern Gas Corridor is a
strategic infrastructure for Italy and for the European Union.
“Especially in the aftermath of the Russian aggression on
Ukraine, Azerbaijan’s gas supplies have been critical for Europe’s
energy security and for sustaining the phase-out from Russian gas.
Since its inauguration in 2020, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP)
has transported over 40 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijan’s gas to
Italy, making Baku the second largest supplier of gas of Italy.
Based on the positive results achieved so far, the Italian
government looks with interest to the possible expansion of the
Southern Gas Corridor, based on market assessments and an active
involvement of International Financial Institutions,” he said.
As for prospected for cooperation in renewable energy sector,
the deputy foreign minister pointed out that Italian experience in
renewables can contribute to Azerbaijan’s energy diversification
strategy.
“Italy has been investing significant resources on developing
its green energy sector. Today, we are one of the world’s largest
operators in renewables. The Italian experience in renewables and
green energy can be shared and it can contribute to the
Azerbaijan’s energy diversification strategy, creating new
investment opportunities. An Italian company – CESI Spa – is
already actively cooperating with Azerbaijan as it is currently
conducting the feasibility studies for the Green Energy Corridor as
well as Trans-Caspian Interconnector which could integrate the
renewable energy markets of Azerbaijan and Central Asia with
Eastern Europe and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Also, on the
recycling industry, Italian companies can contribute to
Azerbaijan’s state programs to improve the efficiency of waste
management,” he said.
Further diversification of economic
partnership
Cirielli noted that the bilateral trade relationship has been
significantly growing since the inauguration of TAP in 2020.
“Today, trade in oil and gas represents the vast majority of the
bilateral trade flows. In order to further expand economic
partnership, we are eager to diversify our trade relations. This is
also the main objective of the Intergovernmental Commission as it
aims to expand the scope of our partnership on key areas which have
the potential to give a real boost to our economic ties,” said the
deputy foreign minister.
Investment opportunities
He pointed out that as the oil and gas industry remains the
backbone of foreign investments to Azerbaijan, the
Intergovernmental Commission will also highlight other relevant
areas.
“Important investment and business opportunities could stem from
connectivity projects, in particular in the framework of the Middle
Corridor transport route connecting Europe and Asia, as well as in
developing new transport and infrastructure facilities in
Azerbaijan. Equally interesting are the opportunities in the domain
of agricultural modernization, ICT development programs, healthcare
and pharmaceuticals,” said the deputy FM.
Cirielli went on to add that at the same time, the Italian
government is also actively attracting foreign investment creating
a favorable environment for foreign investors.
“Italy also presents important investment opportunities in
sensitive sectors such as energy, networks, telecommunications and
transport. As the second largest manufacturing economy in Europe,
Italy is one of the main gateways to a market of 500 million
consumers in the European Union. In this regard, we commend SOFAZ
interests in seizing investment opportunities in Italy and we look
with favor to further investments in our country from Azerbaijani
companies and investment funds,” he explained.
Italy’s interest in Middle Corridor
The deputy FM noted that South Caucasus and Central Asia are
becoming pivotal regions for transport routes between Europe and
Asia.
“The Middle Corridor clearly points to the increasing strategic
relevance of South Caucasus and Central Asia and the Italian
government remains strongly committed to further enhancing its
cooperation with this region, bilaterally as well as in the
framework of the European Union-Azerbaijan relationship. In this
regard, the Italian government fully supports the ongoing
normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, also in light
of the Washington summit results. We deem that the realization of
connectivity projects in the region can positively contribute to
the consolidation of this historic process as well as to enhancing
broader cooperation with neighboring countries along the Middle
Corridor route,” he said.
Cirielli pointed out that at the same time, the completion of
the Middle Corridor still requires important investments on
railways, ports, roads and other logistics infrastructures. Italian
companies have already expressed their interest in taking part to
the construction efforts, especially in the railway sector.
“The Intergovernmental Commission will also serve to recall
Italy’s availability to support Azerbaijan on the connectivity
projects linked to the Middle Corridor as well as our overall
expectation for the ever-increasing opening of the Azerbaijani
market to Italian companies,” he concluded.
