On April 2, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan hosted President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany for comprehensive talks in Baku. The visit marked the first official trip to Azerbaijan by a German president.

President Aliyev welcomed his German counterpart, expressing optimism that the visit would enhance bilateral ties. Discussions covered energy cooperation, trade, green energy initiatives, and regional transportation corridors like the Middle Corridor, with emphasis on Azerbaijan’s growing role as a strategic partner.

Both presidents addressed the importance of increasing humanitarian and academic exchange, recalling the historical presence of German communities in Azerbaijan and the cultural contributions made over generations.

The COP29 climate summit, hosted in Baku last year, was also highlighted as a milestone, with Steinmeier praising Azerbaijan’s role in global climate leadership.

A major focus of the press conference was the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process. President Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan had initiated the post-conflict peace efforts and stressed two key conditions for peace: Armenia’s formal renunciation of territorial claims and constitutional amendments reflecting that change.

Steinmeier noted that while significant progress had been made, trust would take time to rebuild. He urged both sides to seize the current momentum and continue working toward a sustainable peace.

The two leaders also responded to journalists’ questions on the broader geopolitical climate and reflected on Germany’s historical experiences with reconciliation.