Bratislava: Presidents Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Peter Pellegrini of Slovakia delivered joint press statements in Bratislava, marking the first official visit by an Azerbaijani president to Slovakia. The leaders emphasized the strategic partnership between their countries, with discussions covering a range of topics including economic cooperation, energy resources, and defense industry collaboration.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Pellegrini expressed his pleasure at hosting President Aliyev, highlighting the historical significance of the visit. He noted that the relationship between Slovakia and Azerbaijan has been elevated to new heights following the signing of a Declaration on Strategic Partnership last year. Pellegrini emphasized Azerbaijan’s strategic importance due to its energy resources and its position at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. He acknowledged the growth in trade between the two nations and identified areas for further cooperation, such as defense, advanced technologies, and tourism.
President Aliyev, in his statement, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and echoed the sentiment of deepening bilateral ties. He affirmed that Azerbaijan could supply Slovakia with substantial energy resources, mentioning that Azerbaijani gas was supplied to Slovakia for the first time last year. Aliyev also highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a significant gas exporter, with plans to expand supply to Slovakia and its neighbors.
Both leaders discussed potential collaborations in the defense sector, with Slovakia offering technology transfer and joint production opportunities. Aliyev emphasized that the focus on defense cooperation was not for warfare but for industrial development, combining Slovak technology with Azerbaijani financial capabilities.
The discussions also touched upon infrastructure and connectivity, with Aliyev highlighting Azerbaijan’s strategic role in the East-West transport corridor. The potential for collaboration in information technology and data center creation was also explored, leveraging Azerbaijan’s substantial energy resources.
The press statements concluded with mutual invitations for official visits, reflecting the friendly relations between the two nations. The visit signifies a new chapter in Azerbaijan-Slovakia relations, with both leaders committed to enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors.