MP: Ilham Aliyev’s visit raised Azerbaijan-Italy relations to new level

The working visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Italy took place at the invitation of President Sergio Mattarella, and is simultaneously being held within the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Azerbaijani MP Elman Nasirov told Report.

He noted that the current visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Italy is the seventh in a row: “Earlier, during the state visit, which took place on February 19-21, 2020, as many as 28 documents were signed, among which the Joint Declaration on Strengthening the Multidimensional Strategic Partnership between Azerbaijan and Italy. This document can be considered a roadmap for the development of relations between the two countries. That’s because this document reflects both the development of political dialogue and trade and economic relations, ties in the fields of energy, transport, communications, science, education, culture, defense.”

Nasirov noted that Italy is the closest partner of Azerbaijan among the countries of the European Union:

“We have strategic partnership relations with nine of the 27 states of the European Union. However, Italy’s special weight is due to the fact that it is Azerbaijan’s closest trade and economic partner. Italy is the first largest buyer of Azerbaijani oil and the third largest buyer of Azerbaijani gas among European countries. This visit opened up new opportunities for the development of not only bilateral but also multilateral relations. Italy is also a member of NATO. Thus, Italy’s support and contribution to the development of Azerbaijan’s relations with both the European Union and NATO should be especially noted. A number of steps were taken as part of the visit, including the exchange of documents signed in connection with the creation of the Italian-Azerbaijani University, the opening of a new building of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Italy. In a word, the visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Italy raised relations between the two countries to a new level.”

Nasirov reminded that a government crisis occurred in Italy some time ago, as a result of which the government resigned: “On September 25, parliamentary elections will be held in Italy. Usually, at such moments there are no official business trips to Italy, representatives of the state do not travel there. Against the backdrop of all these realities, an exception was made for the president of Azerbaijan and he was invited to visit Italy, which indicates great respect and trust in the personality and authority of the Azerbaijani president. All this is among the factors that determine Italy’s attitude to Azerbaijan.”