President Ilham Aliyev received Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Zhang Guoqing on May 18.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the guest first conveyed the greetings of the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, to the President of Azerbaijan. He noted that Xi Jinping considers President Ilham Aliyev a friend of China.
The head of state expressed his gratitude for the greetings and asked Zhang Guoqing to convey his own greetings to Xi Jinping. President Ilham Aliyev said he highly appreciates the fact that the President of the People's Republic of China called him a permanent friend of China.
Zhang Guoqing noted that topical issues related to the global urbanization agenda were discussed at the 13th Session of the UN World Urban Forum, expressed his honor to participate in the event, and emphasized that his country attaches great importance to this forum. He congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on Azerbaijan hosting such a prestigious event. The guest also described the speech of the President of Azerbaijan at the opening ceremony of the forum as very meaningful.
The head of state thanked him for the congratulations. President Ilham Aliyev assessed China's representation at this event with a high-level delegation as a sign of respect and friendship toward Azerbaijan.
Expressing satisfaction with the rapid growth in Azerbaijan-China relations, the guest recalled the meetings of the heads of state and said that the relations have reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. He expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan's resolute position regarding the Taiwan region of China. He emphasized that China has always supported the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
Zhang Guoqing noted that China supports the path of development chosen by Azerbaijan based on the interests of its people. President Ilham Aliyev recalled his state visit to China with satisfaction and thanked him for the hospitality shown. The head of state noted the importance of the comprehensive strategic partnership document signed during that visit.
President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan, as a country that once suffered from separatism, condemns all forms and manifestations of separatism. The head of state noted that Azerbaijan not only did not recognize the illegal elections held in the Taiwan region of China but was also one of the only states to issue a statement condemning them. In this regard, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan consistently supports the "One China" policy.
During the conversation, the successful development of Azerbaijan-China relations covering various fields was emphasized. The ties between the New Azerbaijan Party and the Communist Party of China were noted, and it was emphasized that the two countries successfully cooperate within the framework of international organizations. Satisfaction was expressed with the expansion of economic and trade relations between Azerbaijan and China, and an exchange of views took place on the prospects of cooperation in political, economic, transit, transport, cargo transportation, military-technical partnership, and other fields.
The relationship between Baku and Beijing has seen significant momentum in recent years, particularly through the alignment of Azerbaijan's transit potential with China's "Belt and Road" initiative. As a key proponent of the Middle Corridor, Azerbaijan continues to serve as a vital link for Chinese goods reaching European markets, reinforcing the strategic depth of the bilateral partnership.
