AZE.US
President Ilham Aliyev and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz agreed to expand strategic, economic and energy cooperation during talks in Berlin.
The two leaders signed documents launching a strategic dialogue and strengthening bilateral economic relations. Azerbaijan and Germany also agreed to establish a joint business council intended to create new opportunities for companies in both countries.
Merz said Germany was interested in lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus. He congratulated Azerbaijan on the initialing of the peace agreement with Armenia, describing it as a historic step that could finally close the chapter on decades of conflict.
Greater regional stability would also open new opportunities for investment, trade and transportation between Europe and Asia, the German chancellor said.
Energy cooperation was a central part of the talks. Merz emphasized the importance of Azerbaijani oil and natural gas supplies, including deliveries through the Southern Gas Corridor, as Germany seeks to diversify its energy sources.
The two sides also discussed renewable energy, hydrogen and Azerbaijan’s plans to export green electricity to European markets.
Aliyev announced that Azerbaijan began supplying natural gas to Germany in 2026.
“With this, Azerbaijani gas is now delivered to 10 European Union member states,” the president said.
Azerbaijan already exports oil to Germany and intends to expand its role in Europe’s energy security through future green energy projects, he added.
More than 200 German companies currently operate in Azerbaijan. According to Aliyev, Baku presented specific proposals aimed at encouraging additional German investment and expanding the presence of German businesses in the country.
Several working groups are expected to be created to turn the agreements signed in Berlin into practical projects.
Transportation and regional connectivity were also high on the agenda. Aliyev said Azerbaijan was strengthening its position as a bridge between Central Asia and Europe while continuing to modernize its transport infrastructure.
The president also pointed to the first practical results of the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Azerbaijani gasoline and diesel are now being supplied to Armenia, while more than 40,000 tons of transit cargo have crossed Azerbaijani territory on their way to the neighboring country.
Aliyev thanked Germany for its contribution to the South Caucasus peace process, noting that previous meetings between the Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers had been held in Germany.
Merz said Berlin and the European Union were prepared to support efforts to establish lasting peace in the region.
The leaders also discussed Azerbaijan’s growing relationship with the European Union. Aliyev highlighted recent visits to Baku by European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, saying they carried significant political importance.
At the end of the meeting, Aliyev invited Merz to make an official visit to Azerbaijan.
AZE.US