1. The history of Azerbaijan–China relations goes back to the ancient Silk Road, and the bilateral relations have entered a new stage since Azerbaijan declared its independence. What’s your take on the current bilateral ties?
The ancient Silk Road started to closely link China and Azerbaijan more than 2,000 years ago, and the two peoples have developed a profound relationship and continued to enhance understanding and mutual learning over the long period of trade and cultural exchanges. In the 31 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Azerbaijan, both countries have always adhered to principles of mutual respect, mutual trust, and good neighborliness to further advance bilateral ties. China–Azerbaijan relations are at their historical best, featuring ever-deepening political trust, fruitful practical cooperation, closer cultural bonds, and a more profound friendship. President Xi Jinping and President Aliyev attach great importance to the development of China–Azerbaijan relations. They have forged a good working relationship and deep personal friendship. The two heads of state held a successful bilateral meeting on the margins of the Samarkand SCO Summit last September, which set the direction of, and gave new impetus to, the further development of bilateral relations. It is believed that, under the strategic guidance and personal promotion of President Xi and President Aliyev, China–Azerbaijan relations will open up exciting prospects and usher in a new stage with more maturity and significance.
2. In what areas are Chinese enterprises interested in participating in the reconstruction of the liberated territories of Azerbaijan?
China pays close attention to the reconstruction progress of the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. A number of Chinese enterprises visited the lands and implemented projects such as “smart villages” and the supply of airport detection equipment. They now play an active role in promoting the investment and construction of photovoltaic power stations so as to facilitate the development of a local green economy. The Chinese enterprises have noted the measures that were adopted by the Azerbaijan government to attract investment, aiming to drive infrastructure construction and improve the investment climate and business environment within the liberated areas. They are ready to explore specific cooperation projects with friends from Azerbaijan in the fields of renewable energy, infrastructure construction, production of building materials, info-communications, etc.
3. How much interest do Chinese enterprises take in investing in Azerbaijan?
China stays committed to reform, opening-up, and win-win cooperation. It has deepened mutually beneficial cooperation in a proactive manner with countries around the world, including Azerbaijan, to share development opportunities. As Chinese enterprises are picking up their pace in “going global,” it is evident that more and more of them will come to Azerbaijan for inspections and consultations, gradually enhance their understanding of the local business environment, market opportunities, and industrial policies, and greatly raise their interest in investment and cooperation. I believe that more and more large-scale cooperation projects that are technologically advanced, environmentally friendly, and invested in by Chinese enterprises will be put into operation here.
China is willing to continue its efforts with Azerbaijan to jointly promote bilateral investment cooperation. China will actively encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and conduct business in Azerbaijan, as well as seek cooperation in areas aligned with the needs of Azerbaijan’s social and economic development, including transportation, industrial manufacturing, green economy and digital economy projects, and smart agriculture. The hope is that this will inject a new and powerful impetus to promote the stability, depth, and solidity of the practical cooperation between China and Azerbaijan.
4. Both countries are jointly carrying out several cooperation projects, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the Middle Corridor. What is your comment on their implications for bilateral relations?
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Since it was introduced, the BRI has received extensive participation from the international community, Azerbaijan included. It has become a well-received international public good and a cooperation platform for global sustainable development. Over the past decade, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and Azerbaijan have taken solid steps to jointly advance the BRI. Under this framework, bilateral relations have reached a new level through close policy communication, deepened connectivity, improved and unimpeded trade, optimized financial integration, and a stronger people-to-people bond.
The Middle Corridor is consistent with the initiative to jointly build the Belt and Road. It is of great significance to improve regional connectivity, boost regional economic development, and safeguard global supply chains, and it is well- positioned for the stable and smooth operation of the China–Central Asia–Caucasus–Europe transportation channel. Transportation is becoming a new cooperation highlight and growth area for both sides, where more and more China–Europe freight trains run on the territories of Azerbaijan, with a total of over 10 routes.
Standing at a new historical starting point of the bilateral ties, China is willing to continue its efforts to strengthen exchanges and coordination with Azerbaijan, as well as synergize the BRI with Azerbaijan’s social and economic development strategies and the Middle Corridor in a more effective manner, while sharing opportunities and promoting win-win results jointly with our friends from Azerbaijan.
5. What is your take on the prospects for peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia?
China pays close attention to the peace talks between the two sides and maintains that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and consultation so as to normalize ties between the two countries as soon as possible. Azerbaijan and Armenia are neighbors, and it is in the fundamental interest of both countries to achieve common security and development through cooperation. In recent years, Azerbaijan and Armenia have successively issued joint statements, arranging for the cessation of hostilities and addressing economic, transportation, cooperation, and border issues, among others, through Russia’s mediation. Recently, Armenia and Azerbaijan have carried out a series of engagements and dialogue through mediation by relevant parties. This has demonstrated the political will of—and concrete actions by—both countries to resolve issues peacefully through diplomatic means. China encourages Azerbaijan and Armenia to continue to meet each other halfway, based on their efforts in the previous period and through the mediation from Russia and other relevant parties, and properly settle their disputes in accordance with universally recognized international law and the norms governing international relations. China supports any diplomatic efforts that are conducive to achieving this goal and will play a constructive role in this regard.