During President Ilham Aliyev’s official visit to China, Azerbaijan and China signed a joint declaration establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership. The agreement, signed by President Aliyev and President Xi Jinping, outlines mutual support for each other’s sovereignty and core interests. Azerbaijan reaffirmed its support for the “One China” policy and voiced strong opposition to Taiwan independence, while China backed Azerbaijan’s peace agenda with Armenia.

The two countries agreed to align China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” with Azerbaijan’s “Middle Corridor” and 2030 Socio-Economic Development Strategy. A working group on investment cooperation was formed to boost collaboration in green energy, digital economy, and high-quality trade. Both nations expressed willingness to begin talks on a free trade agreement and deepen industrial cooperation in sectors such as petrochemicals, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.

A landmark visa exemption agreement was also signed, enabling reciprocal travel for passport holders. Additional agreements were inked in legal, scientific, cultural, and transport sectors. A symbolic moment came as Nakhchivan and Urumqi were declared sister cities.