President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with the President of the transitional period of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Antalya on April 17.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, during the conversation, the sides recalled with satisfaction the previous meetings between President Ilham Aliyev and Ahmed al-Sharaa during the latter's visit to Azerbaijan last year, as well as their discussions within the framework of the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum. It was emphasized that concrete steps are being taken to develop relations between the two countries following the recent political changes in Syria.
The leaders specifically highlighted the importance of cooperation in the energy sector. In this context, they noted the significance of implementing a project to export Azerbaijani gas to Syria through the territory of Türkiye. It was underlined that this initiative would contribute significantly to Syria's energy security and support the overall development of the country. Ahmed al-Sharaa expressed his gratitude to the Azerbaijani head of state for the support provided to Syria during its transitional period.
The meeting also served as a platform to exchange views on the prospects of bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest. Both parties touched upon the vital role of mutual visits and contacts at various levels in strengthening ties. Furthermore, they expressed concern over the current tensions in the region and stressed the necessity of resolving conflicts through diplomatic channels. President Ilham Aliyev extended an invitation to Ahmed al-Sharaa to visit Azerbaijan, which was accepted with pleasure.
The meeting takes place against the backdrop of Azerbaijan's increasing role as a regional energy hub and its active diplomatic engagement in Middle Eastern affairs. As a key supplier of natural gas to Europe and neighboring regions, Azerbaijan continues to leverage its energy resources to foster regional stability and economic integration. The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where this meeting occurred, is a high-level mediation and communication event that brings together state leaders and diplomats to address global challenges.
