President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Kaja Kallas, the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, on May 5.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that during the conversation, the previous meetings between President Ilham Aliyev and Kaja Kallas were recalled with satisfaction. It was noted that productive discussions on expanding cooperation were held during her visit to Azerbaijan in 2025. Kaja Kallas conveyed the greetings of the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, to the head of state. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the greetings and asked her to convey his own regards to Antonio Costa.
Kaja Kallas highlighted the significance of the joint statement adopted by the head of state and the President of the European Council during Antonio Costa's visit to Azerbaijan, which emphasized the strategic nature of relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union. The guest noted that Azerbaijan is a vital partner for the European Union. President Ilham Aliyev touched upon the prospects for cooperation in energy, connectivity, security, trade, and other fields. The head of state emphasized that the EU is one of Azerbaijan's main trading partners and that the country has always been a reliable partner in ensuring European energy security. In this regard, the President noted that Azerbaijani gas has recently reached two more EU member states—Germany and Austria.
The conversation also addressed the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, highlighting the steps taken by Azerbaijan to strengthen the peace agenda. It was noted that economic and trade relations have already been established between Azerbaijan and Armenia, with Azerbaijan unilaterally lifting restrictions on transit goods destined for Armenia. The participation of the President of Azerbaijan via video link in the 8th European Political Community Summit held yesterday in Yerevan was assessed as a historic event.
The meeting further emphasized that the current agenda between Azerbaijan and the European Union includes cooperation in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and other sectors. The EU's support for demining activities in Azerbaijan was praised, and it was noted that the TRIPP project would create significant opportunities for regional connectivity. President Ilham Aliyev and Kaja Kallas also discussed the future prospects of Azerbaijan-EU cooperation and other matters of mutual interest.
Relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union have evolved significantly since the signing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in 1996. Today, Azerbaijan plays a critical role in Europe's energy architecture through the Southern Gas Corridor, which enhances the continent's energy diversification. Beyond energy, the strategic partnership increasingly covers regional security and the development of the Middle Corridor, positioning Azerbaijan as a central logistics hub between Europe and Asia.
