Azerbaijan and Serbia have formally launched a Strategic Partnership Council, marking a new phase in bilateral relations and placing cooperation under direct presidential oversight.
Speaking from Belgrade, AnewZ’s Orkhan Amashov described the new Council as “incredibly important”, noting that although the decision to establish it had been taken earlier, its first meeting was held this week.
He said the format enables the presidents of both countries to directly supervise major projects and prevent bureaucratic delays.
Azerbaijan and Serbia have been strategic partners since 2013, when a joint action plan was adopted. Amashov said the council formalises cooperation at the highest political level and reflects both countries’ ambition to strengthen their regional roles.
Azerbaijan has created similar high-level mechanisms with several states with which it maintains strategic or comprehensive partnerships.
Energy remains central to the partnership. Several bilateral documents were adopted during the latest talks, including agreements in the energy sector.
Amashov said Azerbaijan contributes to energy diversification in the Western Balkans as regional states seek alternatives to Russian supplies. Cooperation includes plans for a 500 megawatt gas-fired power plant near Niš, aimed at strengthening Serbia’s domestic generation capacity.
He also noted Azerbaijan’s broader electricity expansion strategy, with plans to add eight gigawatts of generating capacity by 2032, part of which is expected to serve European markets.
Beyond economics, Amashov highlighted the political dimension of the relationship. He pointed to Azerbaijan’s consistent support for Serbia’s territorial integrity regarding Kosovo, despite differing positions with treaty ally Türkiye.
As Serbia advances its European Union accession process, he said closer ties with Azerbaijan enhance Belgrade’s strategic flexibility.
Strategic council launch and agreements
President Ilham Aliyev’s official visit to Serbia on 15 February centred on the inaugural session of the Azerbaijan-Serbia Strategic Partnership Council and the signing of multiple bilateral agreements.
Aliyev was received in Belgrade by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić with an official ceremony at Nikola Tesla Airport. The two leaders held a one-on-one meeting, chaired the council session and addressed the press.
A document exchange ceremony followed, covering cooperation in food security, the design and operation of a gas-turbine power plant, economic coordination, media and communications, culture for 2026 to 2030, sports and health insurance systems.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to supporting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, with Vučić describing the council session as a turning point in bilateral relations.
Russian air strikes injured 13 and damaged buildings in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and in the Black Sea port ci...
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he hoped the war against Iran was nearing its end, saying Tehran wanted to reach a deal as the c...
Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan have concluded a two-day visit to Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur, touring key cultu...
U.S. President Donald Trump has again said Iran is keen to reach a deal quickly, but a senior Iranian security official rejected the claim, saying Tehran will not negotiate until its conditions are met.
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Tuesday. Russia accused Denmark of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” near its ship, and said it was investigating the incident.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks by the Iran-aligned group deepen regional tensions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept drones and had recorded a successful hit overnight.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security, support for Ukraine, trade with China, migration, climate and artificial intelligence.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held high-level talks in Seoul aimed at expanding South Korean investment, industrial cooperation and partnerships in technology, finance and infrastructure.
From new Asia-Europe trade routes to investment, energy and security cooperation, the Organization of Turkic States has grown far beyond its original focus on shared language and culture.
Central Asia and South Korea are targeting annual trade of $20 billion by 2030, almost double last year’s record of more than $10 billion, following a proposal at their first leaders’ summit in Seoul.
Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan have concluded a two-day visit to Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur, touring key cultural, educational, economic and infrastructure sites in the region.
A skyscraper, a six-tower district, and a launch event timed to coincide with Georgian Dream's long campaign for warmer ties with the Trump administration — even as Washington has kept its distance.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment