Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made his first official visit to Azerbaijan on Saturday, 25 April, during which he met with President Ilham Aliyev, according to the President's Office.
During the Soviet era, Azerbaijan, along with Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and Georgia, was under Moscow’s control and subject to centralized governance. Now, these countries have begun helping each other to strengthen their sovereignty, enhance regional stability, and reduce dependence on external pressure.
The sides announced a deepening of their strategic partnership and signed several bilateral agreements.
“Seventh meeting”: Kyiv and Baku reinforce political trust
According to Zelenskyy, this was already his seventh meeting with Aliyev in just over four years, reflecting a consistently high level of engagement.
“We have a very high level of relations, and it is important that they are based on mutual respect,” the Ukrainian president said.
Six agreements and a focus on defense
During the talks, Ukraine and Azerbaijan signed six documents across multiple sectors, with the defense industry identified as a key area.
“We will continue to develop and deepen our cooperation,” Zelenskyy noted.
Azerbaijan already supporting Ukraine
The two sides also focused on energy cooperation and the launch of new joint projects.
Zelenskyy thanked Azerbaijan for 11 packages of energy assistance, which were critical during the difficult winter period.
The Ukrainian president highlighted the country's clear support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to him, the agreements reached mark only the beginning, with further deals and expanded cooperation expected in the near future.
Trilateral talks with Russia and US
Additionally, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is ready to hold trilateral talks with the US and Russia in Azerbaijan, as per UNIAN.
“For Ukraine, it is very important that Russia finds the strength to end this unjust war. We have held such talks in Turkiye. We have held such talks with our American partners in Switzerland,” Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that Ukraine is prepared to hold the next round of negotiations in Azerbaijan “if Russia is ready for diplomacy.”
