On May 4, Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, held a one-on-one meeting with Giorgia Meloni, the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, followed by an expanded-format discussion in Baku. Welcoming the Italian delegation, Aliyev emphasized the symbolic importance of Meloni’s visit, noting that her arrival directly from Armenia reflects a "friendly attitude" toward Azerbaijan and will contribute to further strengthening strategic relations between the two countries.

Meloni, in her remarks, stated that it was an honor to visit Azerbaijan, describing the country as a "very important partner" for Italy. She noted that no Italian Prime Minister had visited Azerbaijan since 2013, calling the current visit essential given the breadth of cooperation in areas such as energy, infrastructure, connectivity, and culture. She also highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a bridge linking regions, stressing its importance in connecting areas extending toward the Mediterranean.

Later the same day, Aliyev and Meloni delivered press statements following their talks. Aliyev stated that the visit would further deepen bilateral ties, recalling that Azerbaijan and Italy had signed strategic partnership declarations in 2014 and 2020, which continue to guide cooperation. He emphasized that political relations are at a high level, while trade ties remain strong, with Italy being Azerbaijan’s top trading partner and bilateral turnover reaching approximately USD 12 billion.

Aliyev underlined the central role of energy cooperation, noting that Azerbaijan ranks second in Italy’s oil imports and gas supply. He stated that 25 billion cubic meters of natural gas were exported last year, including 9.5 billion cubic meters to Italy, and emphasized the need to expand the Trans Adriatic Pipeline as part of the Southern Gas Corridor. He also pointed to the growing importance of military-technical cooperation, highlighting discussions on joint production and the integration of Italian technologies with Azerbaijani financial resources.

Aliyev noted that the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan has invested around USD 3 billion in the Italian economy, with plans to expand these investments. He added that approximately 130 Italian companies are currently active in Azerbaijan and expressed interest in increasing their presence. He also highlighted Italy’s leading role among foreign partners in projects implemented in the formerly occupied territories of Garabagh and East Zangezur, where Italian companies are involved in numerous initiatives.

In addition, Aliyev emphasized cooperation in education, referring to the establishment of the Italy–Azerbaijan University in Baku, which already hosts over 500 students and is expected to strengthen academic and cultural ties between the two countries.

In her statement, Meloni emphasized the political significance of the visit, noting the 13-year gap since the last official visit by an Italian Prime Minister. She stated that both sides agreed to enhance cooperation through permanent political coordination and to define shared priorities for the future. Highlighting the complex international environment, she emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between Italy and Azerbaijan.

Meloni described energy as a cornerstone of bilateral relations, noting that Azerbaijan’s oil and gas supplies have played a "decisive role" in Italy’s energy security, particularly following Russia’s war against Ukraine. She stressed the need to deepen cooperation not only in supply volumes but also in industrial partnerships across multiple sectors. She also highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a key hub between Europe and Asia, adding that Italy is ready to serve as a gateway to the European market.

She announced plans to organize a business forum in Baku in the second half of 2026 to translate political cooperation into concrete economic opportunities. Meloni also emphasized growing collaboration in defense and security, including aerospace, maritime security, critical infrastructure protection, and advanced technologies, stating that both sides aim to develop joint projects and strengthen industrial cooperation.

Addressing regional and international issues, Meloni noted that she exchanged views with Aliyev on developments including the situation involving Iran and regional stability. She expressed hope for a swift resolution of tensions and thanked Azerbaijan for assisting Italy in evacuating its citizens and temporarily relocating its embassy from Tehran to Baku.

Meloni also highlighted the importance of strengthening dialogue between Azerbaijan and the European Union, particularly in energy and transport, and reiterated Italy’s support for the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. She stated that 2026 could become a significant year for advancing peace in the region, while also underlining the need for continued diplomatic efforts regarding Ukraine.

Concluding her remarks, Meloni emphasized that Italy views its partnership with Azerbaijan as long-term and reaffirmed the commitment to further developing cooperation across multiple sectors.