The first meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Serbia was held in Belgrade on February 15, with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the meeting focused on deepening bilateral ties across energy, investment, and security sectors. President Aleksandar Vucic welcomed the Azerbaijani delegation, noting that the meeting coincided with Serbia's Statehood Day, symbolizing the high level of trust between the two nations. "This Council is a turning point in our bilateral relations and a clear example of the joint political will to raise our relations to the highest strategic level," President Vucic stated, adding that direct flights between Baku and Belgrade are expected to launch in May to boost tourism and humanitarian contacts.
President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the invitation and congratulated the Serbian people on their national holiday. He emphasized the importance of constant communication regarding geopolitical developments in the Balkans and the South Caucasus. "Our friendship and cooperation have no boundaries or time limits," President Ilham Aliyev said. He specifically highlighted a joint project for a gas-powered power plant in Serbia, describing it as one of Azerbaijan's significant investments in Europe and a testament to the mutual stability and trust between the two countries.
The meeting concluded with both leaders signing the Decision of the 1st meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council. Discussions also covered cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, culture, and military-technical fields. Following the official session, the heads of state instructed relevant ministers to present concrete projects to further expand these strategic directions.
Azerbaijan and Serbia have maintained a strategic partnership since 2013, reinforced by a shared commitment to the principles of international law, particularly territorial integrity and sovereignty. The establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council marks a new phase in institutionalizing these relations, providing a formal platform for high-level coordination on regional and global issues.
