BERLIN, Germany, July 21.: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Friedrich Merz made statements to the press in Berlin and answered questions from journalists.
First, German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a statement.
Merz welcomed President Ilham Aliyev to Berlin, noting that the visit had originally been planned for March but was postponed due to the war with Iran. He said the current global crises, including developments in the Middle East and Russia’s war against Ukraine, have affected both Germany and Azerbaijan in terms of security and economic interests.
The German Chancellor emphasized that long-term peace and stability can only be achieved through negotiations. He said Germany and the European Union are interested in ensuring lasting peace and security in the South Caucasus.
Merz congratulated President Aliyev on the initialling of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, calling it a historic opportunity to overcome a decades-long conflict. He stated that Germany and Europe are ready to contribute to the peace process.
The Chancellor highlighted the positive development of Azerbaijan-Germany relations, noting the importance of the first visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Azerbaijan in 2025 and increased parliamentary exchanges between the two countries.
Merz said the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Strategic Agenda for Bilateral Partnership marks an important step in expanding relations. He also mentioned the agreement on establishing the Azerbaijan-Germany Business Council as a significant signal for companies of both countries.
The German leader emphasized the importance of energy cooperation, including Azerbaijan’s role in supplying crude oil and natural gas through the Southern Gas Corridor. He added that Germany is interested in further cooperation with Azerbaijan in renewable energy and hydrogen development.
Merz also highlighted the growing importance of the South Caucasus as a bridge between Europe and Asia, noting the potential of new transport and trade corridors.
Statement by President Ilham Aliyev
President Ilham Aliyev thanked Chancellor Friedrich Merz for the invitation and hospitality, expressing confidence that the documents signed during the visit would elevate bilateral relations to a new level.
The Azerbaijani President said the launch of strategic dialogue between the two countries had been achieved and expressed confidence that the Joint Declaration would contribute to expanding economic cooperation.
Aliyev noted that Germany, as a leading European Union country, plays an important role in the South Caucasus and that Azerbaijan-Germany relations contribute not only to bilateral cooperation but also to regional peace and stability.
He said more than 200 German companies are currently operating successfully in Azerbaijan and expressed confidence that their number would increase following the visit.
Touching on energy cooperation, President Aliyev said Azerbaijan had started exporting natural gas to Germany this year. He noted that Azerbaijani gas is currently supplied to 10 EU member states, making an important contribution to Europe’s energy security.
Aliyev also emphasized Azerbaijan’s plans to export green energy to Europe in the future and said energy cooperation between the two countries has significant potential.
Speaking about transport links, the President highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a bridge between Central Asia and Europe through the development of the Middle Corridor and transport infrastructure.
Aliyev thanked Germany for its contribution to the South Caucasus peace process, stating that the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the signing of a joint declaration in Washington marked the end of a nearly 30-year conflict.
He said Azerbaijan had restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty and had taken practical steps toward peace, including supporting Armenia’s energy security and facilitating transit shipments through Azerbaijani territory.
The President also highlighted the importance of Azerbaijan-European Union relations, noting recent visits by EU leaders to Azerbaijan and emphasizing Germany’s important role as one of the EU’s leading states.
At the end of his statement, President Aliyev thanked Chancellor Merz once again and invited him to visit Azerbaijan.
