On October 18, the 3rd High-Level Forum on International Cooperation was opened in Beijing within the framework of the "One Belt - One Road" Initiative. The Azerbaijani delegation also participated in the forum.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping emphasized the main principles of high-quality cooperation within the "One Belt - One Road" Initiative framework. According to him, "One Belt - One Road" cooperation has changed from a "hard" link to a "softer" approach. The Chinese leader noted that international cooperation within the framework of the "One Belt - One Road" initiative has grown to rapid development with fruitful results in the last ten years. "This period was marked by the transition from the conceptual stage to the careful planning and implementation of projects, many ambitious plans turned into real projects," he noted.

Azerbaijan Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov spoke at a high-level event on "Connections" at the forum. He said that a major strategic development course has been realized that strengthens the Middle Corridor, the shortest route from China to Europe. "In this regard, the volume of cargo transported by the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway has increased from 1 million tons to 5 million tons, the capacity of the Baku Commercial Port has been increased from the current 15 million tons to 25 million tons, and the 'Digital Silk Road' project is being implemented. The policy of the President of Azerbaijan regarding sustainable peace and security in the South Caucasus paves the way for the development of new branches of the Middle Corridor with the creation of transport infrastructures in the territories freed from occupation, and in the future, the Zangezur energy-transport corridor. All these, as well as Azerbaijan's six oil and gas pipelines connecting continents and seas, are real examples of the combination of China's mega project with our national initiatives. By 2030, the creation of 7 GW of green energy power and the export of 5 GW of it through the Caspian-European Union and Azerbaijan-Turkey-Europe corridors, as well as plans to transfer electricity from Central Asia to our country and from there to Europe, will enrich the 'Belt and Road' with green connections," the minister noted.

The minister also noted the 21 percent increase in trade turnover last year, the 60 percent increase in the volume of transit transportation from China through Azerbaijan in the west and opposite directions, and the activity of more than 200 Chinese companies in his country.

The "Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the National Energy Administration of the People's Republic of China" was signed during the visit. This document envisages the expansion of bilateral relations in the energy sector of both countries, cooperation on the application of new technologies, renewal of energy infrastructure, promotion of mutual investment and business activities, exchange of experience in the field of renewable energy sources, as well as holding joint conferences, forums, and trainings.