The statement given to the press by President Mr. Ilham Aliyev during Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Azerbaijan on April 25 comprehensively reflects the current state and future development directions of relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine.
The statement touched upon a wide range of issues, from political dialogue to economic cooperation, from energy and military-technical fields to mutual support on international platforms. The head of state emphasized in his speech that Azerbaijan-Ukraine relations are built on a solid political foundation. One of the main factors forming this foundation is the documents on strategic partnership signed in Kyiv in 2008 and in Baku in 2011. These documents clearly stipulate that both countries support each other's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and inviolability of borders.
This principled position remains unchanged today, and the parties continue to support each other within the framework of international organizations. The intensity of meetings held at the presidential level in recent years also indicates the dynamic development of relations. The fact that seven meetings have taken place in the last four years, including the most recent one in Munich, demonstrates the high level of political dialogue between the two countries. These meetings strengthen mutual trust and define new directions for cooperation. As noted in the statement, significant steps were taken last year in the development of Azerbaijan-Ukraine relations. Consultations were held between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Baku, and at the same time, a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission was organized. These platforms play an important role in coordinating cooperation and advancing new initiatives.
The parties stated their intention to agree on the continuation of these mechanisms and the holding of subsequent meetings in Ukraine. President Ilham Aliyev also made special mention of cooperation in the energy sector in his speech. SOCAR's successful operation in Ukraine for many years was cited as a clear example of achievements in this field. SOCAR's activities make a significant contribution to deepening economic ties between the two countries and developing mutually beneficial partnership in the energy sector. Military-technical cooperation also held a special place in the statement. The esteemed President noted that the military-industrial complex is developing in both Azerbaijan and Ukraine, and the opportunities for joint production in this area are quite extensive. Cooperation in the defense industry is important not only from a security perspective but also in terms of technological development and increasing industrial potential. The parties exchanged views on taking concrete steps towards implementing joint production projects, exchanging experience, and expanding industrial cooperation. This creates a basis for cooperation to take on a deeper and more multifaceted character. It is a fact that today, relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine are built on the principles of mutual respect, trust, and consideration of national interests. This approach ensures the sustainability and long-term nature of the partnership. Thus, the given statement clearly outlines not only the current state of Azerbaijan-Ukraine relations but also their future development trajectory. Expanding cooperation in political, economic, energy, and military-technical fields gives reason to say that the strategic partnership between the two countries will be further strengthened.
Ceyhun Guliyev
Neftchala district