Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, on April 23 to discuss the growing bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Zhao Leji commended Azerbaijan's sustainable development, its rising international influence, and the economic advancements achieved under President Aliyev’s leadership. He referred to the relationship between China and Azerbaijan as a "sincere friendship and strategic partnership," noting that under the leadership of both countries' heads of state, the ties between the two nations are experiencing their most fruitful period in history.

In response, President Aliyev emphasized that the relationship between Azerbaijan and China has reached the level of a "comprehensive strategic partnership." He reiterated Azerbaijan’s firm commitment to the "One China" policy and condemned the elections in Taiwan. Aliyev also highlighted the cooperation between the two nations in combating terrorism, extremism, separatism, and radicalism.

The meeting included discussions on enhancing cooperation within international organizations, with a particular focus on the Middle Corridor. Both leaders noted the recent significant increase in cargo shipments by Chinese companies through the Middle Corridor, with trade turnover rising by 20%.

The two sides also expressed satisfaction with the progress in inter-parliamentary cooperation, particularly through strengthened ties between friendship groups and legislative committees. Cooperation between Azerbaijan's New Azerbaijan Party and the Communist Party of China was also discussed, along with the importance of sharing governance experiences.

The potential for expanding relations in areas such as youth, culture, and sports was explored, with the idea of establishing a joint Azerbaijan-China University on the table. Additionally, both leaders highlighted the burgeoning collaboration in renewable energy, including the selection of China’s BYD company as a strategic partner for the export and local production of electric vehicles and buses in Azerbaijan.

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