On the morning of April 23, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who is in China for a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Prior to the meeting, Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan held a welcoming ceremony for President Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva. The event featured national anthems of both countries, a 21-gun salute, and an inspection of the honor guard accompanied by President Xi.
During their talks, the two leaders announced the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and Azerbaijan. Xi emphasized the long-standing relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation, highlighting the tangible benefits brought by the Belt and Road Initiative. He reaffirmed China’s support for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Aliyev praised China’s role in promoting global peace and stability, reiterated Azerbaijan’s firm support for the One-China policy, and stated that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.
Following the talks, the two presidents signed a joint statement on the comprehensive strategic partnership and witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation agreements in areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, digital economy, green development, space technology, and intellectual property. President Xi and his wife later hosted an official luncheon in honor of the Azerbaijani delegation.