Serbia and Azerbaijan are accelerating their strategic partnership across energy, transport and diplomacy, amid growing regional and global uncertainty.
Frequent high-level contacts reflect what officials describe as “very good personal relations” between the two countries, alongside an increasingly structured diplomatic relationship.
Speaking to AnewZ, political analyst Nikola Miković said repeated engagements between Belgrade and Baku demonstrate consistent dialogue on regional developments, including the Middle East.
He added that frequent meetings and phone calls reflect “sustained political engagement and close leadership ties”.
This comes as President Aleksandar Vučić and President Ilham Aliyev held another phone call on Sunday (19 April), underscoring what both sides described as a “sincere friendship” delivering tangible results.
The call also confirmed Vučić’s planned visit to Baku next month for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled for 17–22 May, further reinforcing high-level political coordination.
Energy at the core of cooperation
Miković said energy remains the central pillar of bilateral relations, shaping Belgrade’s diversification strategy away from traditional suppliers.
He noted that Serbia continues to rely heavily on Russian gas but is seeking alternative supplies from Azerbaijan.
However, he pointed to infrastructure limitations, saying Serbia currently lacks the capacity to fully accommodate larger imports. Still, he suggested Azerbaijan could eventually cover “15 to 20 percent” of Serbia’s gas needs.
The relationship is also set to gain a transport boost, with Air Serbia launching direct flights between Belgrade and Baku on 3 May.
The service, operating twice weekly under a codeshare agreement with Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), is expected to strengthen tourism, business mobility and economic exchange.
Such developments are seen as part of broader efforts to deepen connectivity and institutionalise bilateral engagement.
Commenting on wider tensions, Miković said developments around the Strait of Hormuz would have greater consequences for China and Europe than for the United States.
He argued that “the U.S. actually benefits from the ongoing situation”, while warning that any escalation between Iran and the U.S. could significantly disrupt global energy flows and impact European economies.
The analyst also highlighted growing defence cooperation between Serbia and Azerbaijan, including arms trade and expanding security ties.
He warned that rising tensions in the Middle East could increase regional risks, particularly given Serbia’s defence cooperation with Israel.
Long-term strategic outlook
Looking ahead, Miković pointed to major planned projects, including a nearly billion-dollar gas-fired power plant in Serbia supported by Azerbaijan, calling it a significant step in long-term economic cooperation.
He added that upcoming diplomatic visits and new direct flights reflect efforts to further deepen engagement, though regional instability could affect continuity.
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