Aliyev visits Berlin to deepen energy and trade ties with Germany

Aliyev visits Berlin to deepen energy: Poinews.com – “`html Azerbaijan and Germany Forge New Strategic Partnership in Berlin President Ilham Aliyev

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Azerbaijan and Germany Forge New Strategic Partnership in Berlin

President Ilham Aliyev commenced his inaugural state visit to Germany on Tuesday, arriving in the capital with energy security and the Middle Corridor trade pathway as primary discussion points. As European nations work to lessen their reliance on Russian fossil fuels, this diplomatic mission carries substantial weight for both countries.

Agreements and Bilateral Discussions

Following initial bilateral conversations with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Aliyev participated in an expanded meeting involving cabinet ministers. The delegations finalized a joint declaration establishing a strategic partnership alongside multiple agreements spanning energy cooperation, transportation networks, infrastructure development, commercial exchange, investment opportunities, and scientific advancement. Notably, Germany joins Italy as only the second European nation to conclude such an accord with Azerbaijan.

A parallel business forum complemented the official proceedings. Merz publicly acknowledged the significance of the visit:

“I would like to express my gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev. You are creating an opportunity for us to receive larger volumes of gas from Azerbaijan. This issue is also reflected in the Joint Declaration that we signed today.”

Aliyev similarly emphasized Azerbaijan’s capacity to meet German energy needs:

“Azerbaijan can supply the required volume of oil. This can be done both through domestic sources and through the trading division of SOCAR.”

Energy Cooperation and the Southern Gas Corridor

Germany has emerged as one of Baku’s most recent natural gas purchasers following the commencement of deliveries through the Southern Gas Corridor in 2024, utilizing subsequent connection routes. Aliyev projected that annual shipments would achieve 2 billion cubic metres within the coming year. The German Chancellor characterized the Southern Gas Corridor as a dependable supply channel and affirmed Germany’s commitment to cultivating a sustained relationship with Azerbaijan.

Currently, Azerbaijan provides approximately 12 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually to European markets, with Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, and Hungary representing the principal recipients. Aliyev noted:

“Azerbaijan is ready to increase energy supplies to Germany and other European Union countries as Russia’s energy infrastructure continues to suffer damage from the war in Ukraine.”

Berlin’s strategic shift away from Russian energy following Moscow’s comprehensive invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 has elevated the importance of the Southern Gas Corridor for European Union member nations.

The Middle Corridor and Regional Connectivity

The Middle Corridor, which connects China to European markets through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, received considerable attention during the visit. Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s substantial investments in expanding port facilities at Alat on the Caspian Sea, noting that freight volumes through this corridor have experienced marked growth.

As one of Europe’s principal industrial economies and a significant importer of Asian merchandise, Germany maintains direct interest in diminishing reliance on trans-Russian transportation routes.

Broader Regional Developments

Aliyev also addressed the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States, which has disrupted regional energy and commercial flows while increasing the significance of overland and Caspian alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that Azerbaijan has maintained a balanced stance throughout the confrontation and remains prepared to assist diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring regional stability.

Merz subsequently praised the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations, voicing support for a durable settlement and urging both parties to complete the peace agreement.

Expert Analysis and Future Prospects

Orkhan Yolchuyev, director and co-founder of the CASPIA analytical think tank based in Baku, emphasized that the visit’s importance extends beyond traditional energy cooperation:

“For the first time at such a high level, bilateral cooperation includes green energy, low-carbon hydrogen, digital transformation, industrial modernisation, transport connectivity and innovation. Germany increasingly sees Azerbaijan not only as an energy supplier but also as a partner for new industrial and logistics projects linking Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia.”

Yolchuyev added that the newly created Business Council could facilitate the translation of political commitments into tangible cooperation, while the incorporation of educational, scientific, and cultural exchanges provides the partnership with a more comprehensive foundation.

Shahin Ismayilov, a member of Azerbaijan’s parliament and chairman of the Youth and Sport Committee, concluded that the Berlin agreements would enhance collaboration across multiple sectors:

“President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Germany marks an important step in further strengthening the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Germany. Azerbaijan remains a reliable partner for Europe, particularly in ensuring stable energy supplies and advancing the Middle Corridor initiative.”

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