The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit opened in Tianjin on 31 August, gathering leaders from across Eurasia and the Global South.
The gathering highlighted not only regional security and economic cooperation but also the evolving role of the organisation as a platform for shaping the international order beyond Western influence.
Azerbaijani–Chinese meeting in Tianjin
On the sidelines of the summit, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two statesmen posed for an official photograph before moving into talks that underlined the strength of their partnership.
Xi welcomed the Azerbaijani leader as “my dear friend” and thanked him for accepting his invitation to attend the SCO Plus summit, as well as ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over foreign military aggression. The Chinese president stressed that ties with Baku have reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, recalling Aliyev’s previous state visit to Beijing as a turning point.
Xi pointed to the growth in trade, the expansion of cooperation in renewable energy and the digital economy, and the rising importance of Azerbaijan in China’s Belt and Road initiative. He highlighted the efficiency of the Trans-Caspian route, a vital link for Chinese cargo through the Middle Corridor.
The Chinese head of state affirmed his country’s respect for Azerbaijan’s independent development model, its principle of non-interference, and the importance of direct dialogue between Baku and Yerevan for long-term peace.
Aliyev on priorities and foreign policy
The Azerbaijani president thanked Xi for the invitation and congratulated China on the anniversary commemorations. He described relations with Beijing as one of the priorities of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy and stressed the significance of the comprehensive strategic partnership document signed during his earlier state visit.
Aliyev reiterated Baku’s support for China’s position on Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang, recalling that Azerbaijan was among the first states to denounce the elections held in Taiwan. He underlined the sharp rise in trade turnover, the growing volume of Chinese cargo transiting through Azerbaijan, and the development of tourism following the introduction of visa-free travel.
Turning to regional issues, Aliyev said negotiations with Armenia on normalisation and peace are continuing on a bilateral basis, stressing that peace has already been achieved between the two countries.
Hikmat Hajiyev on future cooperation
Hikmat Hajiyev, foreign policy adviser to the Azerbaijani president, offered further details on the scope of cooperation:
“China and Azerbaijan always support one another. We have high-level political engagement and a comprehensive strategic partnership. Along with traditional trade, we see potential in technological development, energy, renewables and modern technologies.”
He added that Aliyev would hold extensive meetings with Chinese companies in energy, communications, technology and other sectors. Beyond commerce, Hajiyev pointed to humanitarian exchanges, tourism, and cultural engagement as areas with strong prospects for growth.
Wider summit context
The Tianjin summit also hosted a meeting between Xi and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, where both sides agreed to deepen cooperation and support each other’s core interests.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attending his first visit to China in seven years, held direct talks with Xi as well. The two neighbours, often at odds over their Himalayan border, signalled a thaw. Modi spoke of a “peace and stability” atmosphere on the frontier, while both sides emphasised that border disputes should not define the overall relationship.
With around 20 world figures in attendance, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, the SCO’s two-day summit is one of the largest gatherings since the organisation’s founding in 2001. It showcases the group’s growing weight as a forum for security, trade and diplomacy across Eurasia.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has set recognition of Tehran’s inalienable rights, payment of war ...
At least 64 people have been killed in southern Ethiopia following recent landslides...
Explosive-laden Iranian boats reportedly attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters on Wednesday, killing one crew member, after four other vessels ...
The new constitution of Armenia must not contain any reference to the Declaration of Independence, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on ...
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was warned about the "reputational risks" of appointing Peter Mandelson as U.S....
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has set recognition of Tehran’s inalienable rights, payment of war compensation, and international guarantees against any future invasion as conditions for ending the U.S.–Israel war with the Islamic Republic.
At least 64 people have been killed in southern Ethiopia following recent landslides and floods, the regional government’s communications office said on Thursday (12 March), citing local police
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was warned about the "reputational risks" of appointing Peter Mandelson as U.S. Ambassador due to his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein, files released on Wednesday (11 March) show.
The prevailing security situation in the region has done little to deter entrepreneurs from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) who continue to view Dubai as a premier and safe location for business.
The 32 countries belonging to the Internatioanl Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil on Wednesday (11 March), in efforts aimed at bringing down the price of crude oil, which has soared since fighting between Iran, Israel and the U.S. started at the end of February.
Explosive-laden Iranian boats reportedly attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters on Wednesday, killing one crew member, after four other vessels were hit in the Gulf. The attacks, targeting ships linked to the U.S. and Europe, raise the total struck in the region.
A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and part of a key highway as volcanic ash and debris fell over nearby areas.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern as tensions rise following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Tehran has threatened to block the strategic waterway, raising fears of disruption to global oil shipments and energy markets.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has set recognition of Tehran’s inalienable rights, payment of war compensation, and international guarantees against any future invasion as conditions for ending the U.S.–Israel war with the Islamic Republic.
Explosive-laden Iranian boats reportedly attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters on Wednesday, killing one crew member, after four other vessels were hit in the Gulf. The attacks, targeting ships linked to the U.S. and Europe, raise the total struck in the region.
The new constitution of Armenia must not contain any reference to the Declaration of Independence, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday (12 March), according to Armenian media reports.
Residents of the village of Kurseb in western Georgia have been evacuated to safety after a landslide struck the area. Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene and authorities closed a key road as a precaution.
Around 69% of students on the Azerbaijani state scholarship chose Universities in the United Kingdom as their preferred place of study.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment