On April 22, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs issued statements to the press in Baku following high-level discussions. The meeting focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations and exploring new avenues for economic and regional cooperation.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that President Ilham Aliyev first delivered his statement, emphasizing the significance of the Strategic Partnership Declaration signed nine years ago. "I am confident that this visit will strengthen bilateral relations and create new opportunities for cooperation in various fields," the President stated. He highlighted the recent meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission in Shusha, Garabagh, and noted the potential of the upcoming business forum to boost trade turnover. President Ilham Aliyev also touched upon the peace process with Armenia, noting that a de facto peace has existed since August of last year when both nations were invited to the White House by US President Donald Trump to sign a Joint Declaration.
President Edgars Rinkēvičs expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and reaffirmed Latvia's commitment to the 2017 strategic partnership principles. He mentioned the inclusion of high-ranking officials and business representatives in his delegation, aiming to enhance cooperation in defense, transport, and pharmaceuticals. Rinkēvičs also congratulated Azerbaijan on the peace process with Armenia and voiced support for visa liberalization between Azerbaijan and the European Union. "We see the role of Azerbaijan, especially in the Trans-Caspian transport corridor and the energy sector, as a strategic value for both Latvia and the European Union as a whole," the Latvian President added.
Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Latvia were established in 1994, with both nations maintaining a high level of political dialogue. Latvia, as a member of the European Union and NATO, serves as an important partner for Azerbaijan in the Baltic region. The two countries have historically cooperated in fields such as education, information technology, and transit, with the current visit marking a significant step in deepening these ties amid evolving regional dynamics in the South Caucasus and Eastern Europe.
