Tianjin: A SCO Plus meeting was held in Tianjin, China, APA reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the event.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping for the warm welcome and congratulated China on its successful presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He emphasized the strong and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China, highlighting the qualitative advancements in their bilateral relations over the past two years. This includes the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership and the signing of a joint statement during Aliyev’s state visit to China.
President Aliyev underscored Azerbaijan’s support for China’s Global Development, Security, Civilization, and Governance Initiatives, noting their alignment with international peace and respect for sovereign equality and international law. He highlighted the wide-ranging cooperation between Azerbaijan and China across various sectors, including political, economic, investment, energy, and cultural domains. The recent introduction of a visa-free regime has further bolstered tourism and bilateral ties.
Azerbaijan positions itself as a reliable regional partner for China, contributing to international peace and security and implementing significant economic, transport, and energy projects. Aliyev noted Azerbaijan’s early support for China’s One Belt, One Road initiative and highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a transport and logistical hub in Eurasia, with projects like the Alat International Sea Port and the East-West and North-South transport corridors.
The President also emphasized plans to enhance Azerbaijan’s transit capabilities, including increasing the capacity of the Alat International Sea Port and the development of the Middle Corridor, which connects China and Central Asia with Europe. Recent agreements to connect mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic are expected to further expand international transportation capabilities. Aliyev expressed confidence in the future significance of the Zangezur Corridor in enhancing multilateral partnerships and regional peace.
The SCO Plus meeting saw participation from over 20 country leaders and 10 heads of international organizations. President Aliyev has previously attended SCO Summit meetings, emphasizing Azerbaijan’s active involvement in the organization. The SCO, established in 2001, aims to ensure regional stability, promote economic cooperation, and advance scientific and cultural activities among its member states. Meetings of the heads of member states have been held annually since 2002.