Baku: Although Azerbaijan-Syria relations have long been based on historical and cultural commonalities, the authoritarian and closed foreign policy of the Assad regime has hindered their development. The people and state of Azerbaijan have pursued a policy based on friendship and mutual respect with the Arab world, and within this framework, have always remained open to cooperation with Syria. However, political crises within Syria, international isolation, and internal instability have limited Azerbaijan’s ability to engage in active cooperation with the country. The first visit of President Ahmad al-Sharaan to Azerbaijan and his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev can be regarded as the beginning of a new stage in bilateral relations. It should be noted that prior to this, the leaders of both countries had met within the framework of an international forum held in Antalya, where they discussed opportunities for cooperation. These contacts have played a significant role in reviving diplomatic relations. Thi
s new approach, based on principles of mutual respect and cooperation, creates real opportunities for collaboration. By expressing support for Syria’s territorial integrity, Azerbaijan demonstrates its readiness to contribute to regional stability.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Lala Khalilzade, leading advisor at the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), in an interview with APA News Agency noted that the first official visit of Syrian Arab Republic President Ahmad al-Sharaan to Azerbaijan marks the beginning of a new phase in Azerbaijan-Syria relations, based on mutual respect and cooperation after a long hiatus.
The expert explained that this visit was not merely a protocol-level diplomatic engagement but a strategic event marking the beginning of a new phase in relations. Azerbaijan-Syria relations are not only rooted in historical and cultural foundations but also have a complex character based on strategic and geopolitical interests. Ties between the two countries date back to the Silk Road era and developed more systematically from the 1970s onward. After Azerbaijan gained independence, bilateral relations entered a new phase, and formal diplomatic relations were established in the 1990s. Azerbaijan and Syria have displayed a cooperative model based on mutual interests in international platforms such as the UN, OIC, and the Non-Aligned Movement. However, deep political and social transformations in the region, particularly the outbreak of internal conflict in Syria, effectively froze these relations. Azerbaijan’s decision to suspend the activities of its diplomatic mission in Damascus indefinitely was due not onl
y to security concerns but also to the international isolation of the Assad regime at that time. This step once again underscored Azerbaijan’s commitment to stability and reliability in its foreign policy. Now, in light of regional and international realities, favorable conditions have emerged for reformatting Azerbaijan-Syria relations.
The expert believes that Azerbaijan-Syria relations failed to reach their potential during the former Bashar al-Assad regime for several reasons. Key factors behind this included the anti-Azerbaijani and anti-Turkish stance of the Armenian diaspora in Syria and the strategic closeness established between Syria and Armenia. At that time, the Syrian government adopted positions in international organizations that did not align with Azerbaijan’s interests and refrained from demonstrating a firm and objective approach on the issue of territorial integrity, instead siding with an unjust position. The Syrian leadership even made statements contradicting the principle of Islamic solidarity on platforms such as the OIC. Nevertheless, it must be emphasized that the political behavior of the former regime did not reflect the Syrian people’s attitude toward the Azerbaijani people. On the contrary, humanitarian and friendly relations between the two peoples were always preserved. At present, due to shifting geopolitical
realities both regionally and globally, favorable conditions have emerged for reviving Azerbaijan-Syria relations. The recent steps taken have elevated bilateral ties to a more constructive level and created substantial opportunities for enriching the partnership with real substance, she said.
Following the change in leadership in Syria, Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to express support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Official Baku, in line with the principles of the UN Charter and international law, has maintained a stance of non-interference in Syria’s internal affairs and declared its readiness to contribute to the country’s post-conflict reconstruction. Through this approach, Azerbaijan has not only provided diplomatic support but also acted as a responsible actor contributing to the formation of regional stability and normalized relations.
Leading advisor Lala Khalilzade emphasized that following the new phase in Azerbaijan-Syria relations, Baku has distinguished itself through its principled stance and humanitarian diplomacy. According to her, in the context of restoring cooperation with Syria, Azerbaijan has openly supported the new Syrian government and worked in close coordination with its strategic ally Trkiye. Azerbaijan’s humanitarian support was manifested in aid convoys sent to Syria twice – in December and February. Additionally, in March, the Azerbaijani embassy in Damascus organized an iftar for 1,000 orphans – a vivid example of how bilateral relations have deepened in the socio-humanitarian domain. Moreover, Azerbaijan has emerged as a reliable partner in Syria’s reconstruction process in specific areas. It has offered technical support and investment opportunities in the renewal of oil and gas infrastructure and exploration of potential reserves, demonstrating readiness to contribute to Syria’s energy security. In response to cha
llenges such as water scarcity and climate change, Azerbaijan promotes cooperation in smart agriculture technologies and sustainable resource management. The modern farming models implemented in Azerbaijan’s semi-arid regions are of great value for Syria’s agriculture and food security. Furthermore, Azerbaijan’s active role in the OIC and its balanced, principled foreign policy in the Middle East elevate it not just as a donor or partner, but as a regional actor with mediation capacity on sensitive issues. This unique diplomatic stance reflects both Azerbaijan’s real influence and its trust capital in its Syria policy.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed between SOCAR and the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic marks the beginning of a new stage in energy cooperation between the two countries. According to this document, Azerbaijani natural gas will soon be exported to Syria. This initiative will strengthen Azerbaijan’s position as a regional energy supplier and significantly contribute to Syria’s energy stability and economic revival. The agreement represents a strategic partnership aimed at post-conflict reconstruction of Syria’s energy and infrastructure sectors. Azerbaijan currently exports natural gas to 12 countries, mainly in Europe. This agreement expands Azerbaijan’s export geography and opens access to the Middle East region.
Gas exports to Syria are planned through Turkey, with an annual volume of 1 billion cubic meters. This matter was extensively discussed during the Syrian President’s visit to Baku. Syria could serve both as a consumer and a transit country. The gas pipeline connecting Turkey and Syria has already been restored. Restoration of the pipeline connecting Syria and Jordan is also under consideration, which could allow Azerbaijani gas to reach Egypt eventually. In addition, new opportunities are emerging for Azerbaijan in electricity generation and export. The Middle East market is considered one of the most promising directions in this regard. As a result of this cooperation, the number of countries importing Azerbaijani natural gas will increase to 13, highlighting the successful expansion of Azerbaijan’s energy diplomacy.
According to the AIR Center expert, Azerbaijani gas is a key strategic resource for the Middle East in ensuring energy security and driving economic recovery. In light of Syria’s new political realities, the reconstruction of its energy sector and the revival of its economy have brought cooperation with Baku into sharp focus. Syria values Azerbaijan’s contribution to regional stability as a reliable and balanced foreign policy actor, and considers cooperation with SOCAR a priority. The in-depth energy dialogue held during President Ahmad al-Sharaan’s official visit to Azerbaijan and the discussions on gas exports reflect the strategic nature of this partnership. Thus, Azerbaijan is emerging not only as a significant energy player in the Middle East but also specifically within Syria, she concluded.