Azerbaijan, China appreciate joint cooperation in work carried out on Middle Corridor

By Burc Eruygur and Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Azerbaijan and China on Wednesday expressed appreciation for their joint cooperation in work carried out regarding the Middle Corridor, as both countries’ top diplomats held negotiations in the latter’s capital Beijing.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi discussed the current state and the prospects of developing bilateral and multilateral relations, as well as regional and international issues.

It said that Bayramov and Wang noted the role of the comprehensive strategic partnership signed between the two countries in April last year in raising relations to a “qualitatively new stage,” and that agreements signed that same month have given “additional impetus to cooperation in a number of areas.”

“The ministers emphasized the importance of further expanding cooperation based on mutual trust and respect in the fields of trade and economy, transport and logistics, energy, renewable energy, industry, digital transformation, agriculture, humanitarian and education,” it said.

The joint cooperation in the work carried out on the Middle Corridor, a key transport and trade route in Eurasia, was appreciated, the statement added.

According to the statement, the two ministers further noted the importance of continuing mutual support within international organizations during the talks.

They also exchanged views on regional security issues and reviewed cooperation plans within the Central Asia format.

“The meeting also provided information to the other party on post-conflict reconstruction and mine threat. The Chinese side was thanked for its support to ANAMA (Azerbaijan’s National Agency for Mine Action) in demining activities,” it added.

Beijing will continue to develop China-Azerbaijan ties at a strategic level, deepen cooperation, and strengthen coordination, Wang said, according to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry.

Wang expressed support for Azerbaijan in “safeguarding its sovereignty and vital interests,” as well as pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions.

He urged both sides to maintain exchanges, enhance mutual understanding, and strengthen the alignment of development strategies.

Wang also urged the two countries to uphold multilateralism, the UN-centered international system, as well as promote a multipolar world and economic globalization.