On 17 December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Azerbaijan where he met with the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The two state chiefs discussed the prospects of expanding the Azerbaijan-Ukraine cooperation in various fields, reported apa.az. 

Speaking at a joint press conference afterwards, Aliyev noted that the political ties between Azerbaijan and Ukraine were at a high level.  He also spoke about the trade relations between the two countries. “True, this year our turnover grew by almost 20 percent, but we can’t be pleased with absolute figures, and specific issues related to [other forms of] cooperation were discussed today,” he said.

Another important aspect for Aliyev was the Ukrainaian-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission and the continuation of its work. “Unfortunately, over the past few years, the commission practically did not operate. However, by a joint decision, we are giving [the commission] a new impetus to [continue]. We agreed that the commission would meet next month, and the instructions issued by the presidents would be discussed in detail,” he said. 

Energy cooperation has been discussed as well, especially the expansion of SOCAR’s activities in Ukraine. “SOCAR has been operating in Ukraine for many years, has more than 60 gas stations and four oil terminals. Discussing this issue again today, we agreed that SOCAR would expand its activities in Ukraine and take specific steps,” Aliyev said.

Aliyev also spoke about the enhancement of joint investment projects, cooperation in the agricultural, infrastructure, tourism and humanitarian sectors between Azerbaijan and Ukraine. 

Zelensky praised the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine.  “Our relations have stood the test of time. We have always been a support [system for] each other in difficult times. Azerbaijan has always been a reliable friend and an important strategic partner for Ukraine, and it is still the case now,” he said. He also announced that a Ukrainain Trade House would be opened in Azerbaijan soon. 

Zelensky’s main field of focus were the questions of national and regional security. “We discussed the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the conflict in eastern Ukraine. We support each other in the issue of restoring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our countries. We are talking about the restoration of internationally recognized borders. From this point of view, this principle covers our cooperation both at the bilateral level and within the framework of international organizations. This is an indicator of the level of relations between our countries. We advocate a single position both at the regional and global levels,” he stated.

Both leaders also praised the impact of Azerbaijan-Ukraine business forum, especially to the business circles of both countries.

A number of bilateral documents were also signed during Zelensky’s visit. The Azerbaijani Ambassador to Ukraine Azer Khudiyev and Ambassador of Ukraine to Azerbaijan Vladislav Kanevsky signed a Protocol of Intent between the city of Ganja and the city of Odessa and an agreement on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation between the city of Guba and the city of Truskavets.

Further, Azerbaijan`s Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov and Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vadym Prystaiko signed an Agreement on cooperation between the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State Regulatory Service of Ukraine for business condition regulation and an Agreement on the organization of the Baku-Kiev interstate government communication line between the Special State Protection Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine.

Notable Azerbaijani political figures highlighted other important aspects of Zelensky’s visit to Azerbaijan. Member of the Azerbaijani-Ukrainian parliamentary working group Naqif Hamzayev pointed out the cooperation in the fields of energy between the two countries. “There are a lot of potential and favourable opportunities for the development of bilateral economic relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine. Ukraine is one of the main trading partners of our country. Most of Azerbaijan's energy exports to Ukraine are oil and oil products. The issue of the transportation of Azerbaijani liquefied gas to Ukraine was also resolved in 2011. Azerbaijan, as a producer of energy resources, and Ukraine as a consumer and transit country, play an important role in ensuring energy security in several countries. One of the most important areas of mutual cooperation is to provide additional trade routes between the two countries. One of the most important regional cooperation projects in this regard is the International Trans-Caspian Transportation Route,“ he said.

Azerbaijan and Ukraine maintain strategic cooperation, political, economic and cultural relations at a very high level. In 2001, the two countries founded the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development (GUAM), along with Georgia and Moldova. Azerbaijan currently plays an important role in both the organization and the foreign policy of Ukraine due to its strategic role in the region. Azerbaijan also helped Ukraine to shelter the Chernobyl sarcophagus. Ukraine is, after Turkey, one of Azerbaijan’s main military partners. Azeri officers are trained in Ukrainian military academies, and various technical assistance is supplied by Ukraine. Ukraine supports Azerbaijan's position in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.