On March 21, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, highlighted the active development of trade and economic relations between Azerbaijan and China. 

He emphasized that the launch of the Middle Corridor at full capacity would further boost these relations. Hajiyev acknowledged that while the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR or Middle Corridor) project presents opportunities, it also faces challenges that need to be addressed. The route traverses the territories of several countries, including Azerbaijan's Central Asian partners, Georgia and Turkey. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with these countries to streamline procedures along the route, particularly through implementing a "single window" system. This system aims to standardize and simplify procedures, benefiting Chinese companies seeking to transport goods to Europe.

According to Hajiyev, Azerbaijan has taken note of the recent agreement on the Middle Corridor signed between China and Kazakhstan. He mentioned that Azerbaijan is considering the possibility of a similar agreement with China, potentially leading to a trilateral agreement in the future.

He expressed optimism about the development of the "China plus Central Asia" concept into "China plus Central Asia plus Azerbaijan." He emphasized the positive chemistry between the parties, attributing it to China's openness to other cultures and civilizations and its respectful approach to engaging with them. He concluded by expressing confidence in the mutually beneficial partnership between China and Azerbaijan, driven by shared interests and respect for each other's cultures and values.