BAKU, Monday, May 4, 2026 (WNP): Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni on Monday said Italy and Azerbaijan had agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship through closer political coordination and expanded cooperation in key sectors, including energy, defence, and connectivity.
Addressing a joint press conference with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in Baku, Meloni termed her visit as politically significant, noting that it marked the first official visit by an Italian prime minister to Azerbaijan in 13 years.
She expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and described discussions with President Aliyev as comprehensive and productive, emphasizing that both sides had agreed to establish a form of permanent political coordination to align future priorities.
“In a complex international environment, strengthening reliable partnerships becomes even more essential, and the relationship between Italy and Azerbaijan represents one such certainty,” she said.
Highlighting energy cooperation as a cornerstone of bilateral ties, Meloni acknowledged Azerbaijan’s crucial role in ensuring Italy’s energy security, particularly following the Russia-Ukraine conflict. She said both sides had discussed not only increasing supply volumes but also enhancing the quality of industrial partnerships across the energy value chain.
The Italian prime minister underscored the strategic importance of energy and connectivity, expressing support for Azerbaijan’s role as a key hub linking Europe and Asia, while positioning Italy as a gateway to European markets.
She announced plans to hold a business forum in Baku in the second half of 2026 to translate political understanding into concrete economic opportunities for businesses and workers in both countries.
Meloni also pointed to growing cooperation in defence and security, including aerospace, maritime security, protection of critical infrastructure, and advanced technologies, stressing the importance of long-term industrial collaboration and joint development.
She noted that bilateral relations were also deeply rooted in cultural and societal ties, highlighting recent academic cooperation initiatives involving Italian universities and institutions in Azerbaijan.
On regional and international issues, the two leaders exchanged views on the situation involving Iran, with Meloni expressing hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the crisis and reaffirming support for diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability.
She thanked Azerbaijan for its assistance in facilitating the evacuation of Italian nationals from Iran and for providing support to Italy’s diplomatic operations during the crisis.
Meloni also emphasized the importance of strengthening dialogue between Azerbaijan and the European Union, particularly in the areas of energy and transport connectivity.
Referring to regional dynamics, she reiterated Italy’s support for normalization efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia, expressing hope that 2026 would be a crucial year for advancing peace and unlocking the region’s full potential.
She further reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Concluding her remarks, Meloni said that despite global uncertainties, Italy remained committed to strengthening its long-term partnership with Azerbaijan, describing it as a relationship built on trust, shared interests, and a common vision for the future.
