Azerbaijan and China sign joint statement on strategic partnership

A joint statement has been signed between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People’s Republic of China to establish comprehensive strategic partnership relations.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is making a state visit to China from April 22 to 24, 2025.

The statement says that the parties will provide each other with “decisive support in protecting the fundamental interests, sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of both countries.” Azerbaijan has “firmly opposed any form of Taiwan’s independence and expressed support for the Chinese government in its efforts to achieve national reunification.”

China, in turn, “firmly supports the peace agenda proposed by Azerbaijan and considers geopolitical games aimed at confrontation to be ineffective.”

The parties have agreed to contribute to the stable and long-term development of bilateral relations. Azerbaijan and China have also expressed readiness to initiate negotiations on a free trade agreement.

China has expressed support for Azerbaijan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The statement also notes that the parties will make efforts to defend the international order centered around the United Nations and the global order based on the core norms and principles of international law and international relations, grounded in the goals and principles of the UN Charter.

“The parties uphold the shared values of humanity—peace, development, equality, justice, democracy, and freedom—and promote the creation of a new type of international relations and a shared future for mankind,” reads the statement.