Elchin Amirbayov, the Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Special Assignments, has held a series of meetings with high-ranking officials during a working visit to Italy.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Amirbayov met with Fabrizio Saggio, Diplomatic Advisor to the Prime Minister; Edmondo Cirielli, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Licia Ronzulli, Vice President of the Senate; Giorgio Mulè, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies; and Maurizio Gasparri, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
During the meetings, the parties held an extensive exchange of views on the current state and future prospects of the multifaceted strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Italy. Discussions focused on strengthening political dialogue and expanding cooperation in energy, transport, defense, agriculture, high technology, and other priority sectors. The Italian side expressed deep interest in further deepening this partnership, highly valuing the efficient and mutually beneficial cooperation established with Azerbaijan.
The importance of high-level reciprocal visits was emphasized as a key driver of the strategic partnership. In this context, it was noted that the upcoming official visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Azerbaijan, scheduled for early May, will provide a significant impetus to elevating bilateral relations to a new stage. Furthermore, the role of inter-parliamentary cooperation was highlighted as a vital component of the relationship, with both sides exploring opportunities to expand ties within international organizations.
The discussions also touched upon relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union (EU). The Italian side underscored Azerbaijan's critical role in ensuring European energy security and developing the Middle Corridor, which strengthens transport and logistics links between Europe and Asia. Amid the current geopolitical landscape, Italy reaffirmed its growing interest in Azerbaijani energy exports and welcomed the positive dynamics in Azerbaijan-EU relations.
Regarding the regional peace agenda, Elchin Amirbayov provided detailed information on the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, specifically referencing the agreements reached in Washington on August 8, 2025. He emphasized that the results of the upcoming parliamentary elections and the constitutional referendum in Armenia would play a decisive role in signing a final peace agreement and ensuring permanent stability in the region. Italy expressed its support for Azerbaijan's efforts toward regional peace and stability.
As part of the visit, Elchin Amirbayov also addressed a round table at the Italian Society for International Organizations and gave interviews to prominent Italian publications, including "La Repubblica" and "Formiche." Italy remains one of Azerbaijan's top trading partners in the EU, with the relationship governed by a strategic partnership declaration that covers extensive economic and political cooperation.
