Ukraine and Azerbaijan signed six bilateral documents on Saturday, April 25, focusing on defense cooperation and joint industrial production during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s first visit to Baku since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Following high-level negotiations with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, Zelensky emphasized that security and the defense-industrial complex are now the top priorities for the partnership, Ukrinfrom reported.
“Ukraine has demonstrated resilience during this war and is sharing its experience today,” Zelensky said, confirming that the two nations will develop “co-production” initiatives to strengthen regional security. President Aliyev echoed this sentiment, noting “broad prospects” for military-technical cooperation and the joint development of military industries.
The leaders also committed to expanding economic ties, with Aliyev targeting an increase in bilateral trade, which currently exceeds $500 million. Energy remains a cornerstone of the relationship, with Aliyev highlighting the long-standing role of the Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR in the Ukrainian market and potential new investment projects.
“We also discussed peace efforts. It is very important for Ukraine that Russia finds the strength to end this unjust war. We certainly highly value the role of our partners in mediating this process. We told the president of Azerbaijan that we are ready for trilateral talks. We had such talks in Turkey, and we had such talks with our American partners in Switzerland,” Zelensky said.
This diplomatic milestone builds on a decade of strategic partnership. Aliyev noted that since 2019, the two presidents have met seven times, reflecting the “dynamic” nature of a relationship based on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Zelensky expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s consistent support of Ukraine’s borders, particularly during the ongoing war.
The visit marks a definitive shift in the regional landscape. While Baku and Moscow settled compensation issues earlier this month regarding the 2024 downing of an Azerbaijani passenger plane by Russian air defenses, Aliyev has maintained a visible diplomatic distance from the Kremlin.
By securing new defense and energy agreements with Kyiv, Azerbaijan is further solidifying its role as a key strategic partner for Ukraine in the South Caucasus.