Chinese special envoy: Azerbaijan-China trade rose over 30% in Q126

Sun Linjiang, the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs, emphasized that cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road initiative has yielded productive results, noting that bilateral trade turnover increased by more than 30 percent in the first quarter of the year.

Report informs, citing the Embassy of Azerbaijan in China, that Linjiang made the statement at an official reception organized in Beijing on the occasion of May 28 - Independence Day.

The reception was organized by the diplomatic mission and supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Chinese officials, heads of diplomatic missions in Beijing, and public representatives attended the event.

Azerbaijan's Ambassador to China, Bunyad Huseynov, stated in his speech that the history of relations between the two countries dates back to the ancient Silk Road era.

The diplomat noted that the high-level political dialogue, the foundation of which was laid during the official visit of Azerbaijan's National Leader, Heydar Aliyev, to China in 1994, has been successfully developed by President Ilham Aliyev, and our bilateral relations have been elevated to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

"Azerbaijan views Chinese technologies as a key element in accelerating its energy transition. The strategic rapprochement of our countries, as well as sustainable development, innovation, and infrastructure connectivity in the South Caucasus region, form the foundation of a new and quality partnership. Our countries are not just partners, but also co-founders of a new architecture of trade, technology, and sustainable development in the region," the envoy noted.

He stated that Azerbaijan, situated along the East-West and North-South transport corridors, is becoming a reliable logistics hub for expanding trade and economic ties between China and Europe. The initiative by the President of Azerbaijan to reopen the Zangazur corridor after many years will be our country's next contribution to the Belt and Road initiative in the future.

Sun Linjiang conveyed the congratulations of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in his speech.

"Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has achieved consistent progress along a development path suited to its national characteristics, ensuring economic stability, social dynamism, and the welfare of the people in the country, while its international prestige continues to grow rapidly. As a good friend and partner, China is pleased with this," the special representative noted.

Emphasizing the existence of friendly relations between China and Azerbaijan that have ancient traditions and are constantly developing, Sun Linjiang said that in recent years, guided by the strategic visions of heads of state Ilham Aliyev and Xi Jinping, our bilateral relations have rapidly developed and been elevated to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership.

This was followed by performances by Azerbaijani musicians.