President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hellenic Republic, Maria K. Papakonstantinou, on January 30.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the ambassador presented her credentials to the head of state, followed by a discussion on the current state and future prospects of bilateral relations. President Ilham Aliyev recalled his previous meetings with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, including discussions held during COP29 in Azerbaijan, at the UN headquarters in New York last September, and within other international frameworks. The President emphasized that such high-level dialogues are essential for the continued development of the partnership between the two nations.
Highlighting energy security as a critical factor in global stability, President Ilham Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan and Greece continue to cooperate effectively in this field. He expressed optimism for increased engagement between business communities and the realization of mutual investment projects, stressing that the ambassadors of both countries play a pivotal role in advancing these goals. Ambassador Papakonstantinou stated she would spare no effort to strengthen ties in green energy, agriculture, and other sectors, while also highlighting the significance of establishing direct air communication between Azerbaijan and Greece.
Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Greece have historically been anchored by significant energy projects, most notably the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which is a key segment of the Southern Gas Corridor. As Azerbaijan continues to position itself as a reliable energy supplier to Europe, the partnership with Greece serves as a strategic gateway to the Mediterranean and broader European markets. Beyond energy, both nations have recently sought to diversify their cooperation into tourism, culture, and education, reflecting a shared interest in regional stability and economic integration.