The Chinese government's Special Representative for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, has emphasized the effective results of cooperation within the framework of the "Belt and Road Initiative," noting that bilateral trade turnover increased by more than 30 percent in the first quarter of the year.
The Embassy of Azerbaijan in China informed the Operative Information Center-OMM that Li Hui shared these remarks during an official reception in Beijing held to commemorate May 28 - Independence Day.
The reception was organized by the diplomatic mission with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The event was attended by Chinese officials, heads of diplomatic missions in Beijing, and representatives of the public.
Azerbaijan's Ambassador to China, Bunyad Huseynov, addressed the event, noting that the historical ties between the two nations date back to the ancient Silk Road era. The diplomat highlighted that the high-level political dialogue, established during the official visit of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to China in 1994, has been successfully developed by President Ilham Aliyev, elevating bilateral relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.
"Azerbaijan views Chinese technologies as a crucial element in accelerating its energy transition. The strategic alignment of our countries forms the foundation for a new, high-quality partnership in sustainable development, innovation, and infrastructure connectivity in the South Caucasus region. Our nations are not merely partners but co-founders of a new architecture for trade, technology, and sustainable development in the region," the Ambassador stated.
He added that Azerbaijan, situated at the crossroads of the East-West and North-South transport corridors, is becoming a reliable logistics hub for expanding trade and economic relations between China and Europe. The initiative by the President of Azerbaijan to reopen the Zangazur corridor after many years will serve as the country's next contribution to the "Belt and Road" project.
In his speech, Li Hui conveyed the congratulations of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has made consistent progress along a development path suited to its national characteristics, ensuring economic stability, social dynamism, and the welfare of its people, while simultaneously increasing its international standing. As a good friend and partner, China is pleased with this," the special representative noted.
Emphasizing the long-standing and constantly developing friendly relations between China and Azerbaijan, Li Hui stated that bilateral ties, guided by the strategic visions of President Ilham Aliyev and President Xi Jinping, have developed rapidly in recent years, reaching the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. The event concluded with performances by Azerbaijani musicians.
Background: The "Belt and Road Initiative," launched by China in 2013, aims to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter economic future. Azerbaijan has been a proactive participant in this initiative, leveraging its strategic geographic location to integrate into global supply chains and promote the Middle Corridor as a vital transit route connecting Asia and Europe.
