Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier have discussed regional developments, transport connectivity, energy cooperation and the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process during talks in Berlin.
During the 21 July one-on-one meeting, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and highlighted the long-standing ties between Azerbaijan and Germany.
The meeting was described as positive, with both presidents emphasising the friendly nature of relations and the potential for further expanding economic and business cooperation.
Steinmeier, who previously served as Germany’s foreign minister, recalled his visit to Azerbaijan and noted his close understanding of the country and the wider region. He described Azerbaijan and Germany as “islands of stability” against the backdrop of ongoing global and regional challenges.
The German president congratulated President Aliyev on the progress achieved in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process and highlighted Azerbaijan’s growing role in Europe’s energy security.
The discussions emphasised Azerbaijan’s importance as a reliable energy partner, particularly amid tensions between Russia and European countries. President Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan is now also exporting gas to Germany and Austria, further strengthening energy cooperation with Europe.
The leaders also stressed that Azerbaijan-Germany relations are increasingly taking on a strategic character. They highlighted the importance of the upcoming signing of the Joint Declaration on the Strategic Agenda for Bilateral Partnership between Azerbaijan and Germany by President Ilham Aliyev and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
President Steinmeier congratulated President Aliyev on progress in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, while both sides exchanged views on regional developments and international issues.
The leaders also recalled European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Baku and discussed the development of Azerbaijan-European Union relations.
The talks also focused on the situation in the Middle East and developments around the Strait of Hormuz.
Given Germany’s export-oriented economy, both sides underlined the importance of maintaining open and secure global trade routes. In this context, they discussed the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor and Azerbaijan’s role as a regional transport hub connecting Asia and Europe.
The presidents expressed confidence that President Aliyev’s visit to Germany would provide further momentum to the development of bilateral cooperation.
An official welcome ceremony was held in Berlin for President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Friedrich Merz welcomed President Ilham Aliyev.
Merz also congratulated President Aliyev on the peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
"This is a historic agreement. Thanks to it, an opportunity has arisen to overcome a conflict that has lasted for decades. We would be glad to do whatever we can from a German and European perspective," Merz said.
Members of the German delegation were presented to President Ilham Aliyev, while Members of the Azerbaijani delegation were presented to Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The chief of the guard of honour reported to the President of Azerbaijan and the Federal Chancellor.
The national anthems of Azerbaijan and Germany were played. President Ilham Aliyev and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz passed along the line of guard of honour.
During talks in Berlin, President Ilham Aliyev and German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz signed documents aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation.
The two sides signed the “Joint Declaration on the Strategic Agenda for Bilateral Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Federal Republic of Germany”, as well as a document on the establishment and operation of the Azerbaijan-Germany Business Council.
President Aliyev said the agreements marked an important step in relations between the two countries.
“I am confident that the documents signed today will elevate our relations to a new level,” Aliyev said, adding that the two countries had achieved their goal of launching a strategic dialogue.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany attaches great importance to developing relations with Azerbaijan and strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
"Greater stability in the region also creates new opportunities for broad economic cooperation between our countries. I am very glad that relations between our countries are developing steadily," Merz said.
He highlighted the importance of Azerbaijan as a partner in energy security, transport connectivity and regional stability, noting that Germany is interested in expanding economic cooperation with Baku.
"During the current crisis, cooperation in the supply of crude oil, as well as natural gas through the Southern Gas Corridor, is of particular importance,"
He also stressed the role of the Middle Corridor in improving links between Europe and Asia, saying secure and reliable transport routes are becoming increasingly important for global trade.
"The importance of the South Caucasus as a bridge between Europe and Asia is also growing. New transport and trade corridors create economic potential that we want to utilize jointly," Merz explained.
President Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s growing role in European energy security, noting that Azerbaijani gas is currently supplied to 10 European Union member states.
He said Azerbaijan also exports crude oil to Germany and plans to expand cooperation in renewable energy, with the country aiming to deliver green energy to Europe in the future.
"We wish to further diversify our energy supply through cooperation with Azerbaijan. Today, we also discussed expanding the use of renewable energy and hydrogen," Merz added.
Ilham Aliyev also stressed the importance of cooperation in transport connectivity, noting that Azerbaijan’s developing infrastructure and its role as a link between Central Asia and Europe would continue to grow.
"As a leading country in the European Union, Germany is increasing its influence in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan–Germany ties will contribute not only to bilateral relations but also to cooperation, peace, and stability across our entire region," President Aliyev explained.
Aliyev said relations with the European Union were also strengthening, pointing to recent visits by European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Azerbaijan.
"These visits carry profound political significance and will further strengthen ties between the European Union and Azerbaijan," he said.
He added that trade between Azerbaijan and Germany reached around $1.5 billion last year, with crude oil making up the largest share of Azerbaijani exports. He said Azerbaijan was capable of ensuring reliable oil supplies to Germany through both domestic production and SOCAR’s trading network.
"Starting this year, Azerbaijan has begun exporting its natural gas to Germany. Thus, our gas is currently delivered to 10 European Union member countries, which undoubtedly makes a major contribution to energy security. Considering that Azerbaijan also exports its oil to Germany and is determined to deliver its green energy to Europe in the future, cooperation in the energy field will be very large-scale," President Aliyev said.
During President Ilham Aliyev’s official visit to Germany, a Joint Declaration on the Establishment of the German-Azerbaijani Business Council (GABC) was signed.
The agreement marks a new institutional stage in economic relations between the two countries by creating a structured platform for dialogue between public institutions and the private sector.
The Business Council will focus on strengthening direct ties between German and Azerbaijani business communities, while identifying new opportunities for investment and cooperation.
The establishment of the council reflects Germany’s growing interest in Azerbaijan’s economic potential, investment opportunities and its role as a regional connectivity hub.
The main objectives of the Business Council include promoting sustainable and innovative economic cooperation, supporting joint projects and investment initiatives, facilitating the exchange of expertise and best practices, and developing recommendations to improve the business and investment environment in both countries.
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