The visit of the President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni, to Azerbaijan shows that relations between the two countries have entered a qualitatively new stage.
Tahir Mirkishili, a member of the working group on Azerbaijan–Italy interparliamentary relations, said in a statement to APA that the strategic partnership formed between the two countries is no longer limited only to the framework of political dialogue, but has also turned into a multifaceted and sustainable cooperation platform covering economic, energy, military-technical and humanitarian fields. This model of cooperation serves as an important example at both the regional and global levels.
Strategic partnership and political dialogue are strengthening
The MP noted that political relations between Azerbaijan and Italy have been developing at a high level for many years and these relations are based on mutual trust: “In addition to being one of Europe’s leading states, Italy is also one of Azerbaijan’s first strategic partners. The strategic partnership documents signed in 2014 and 2020 form the legal basis of these relations, and today the provisions reflected in those documents are accompanied by real results. The established open and reliable dialogue plays a key role in the development of relations. In particular, President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Italy in 2020, subsequent meetings held on various international platforms, including discussions conducted within the framework of the European Political Community, and finally Giorgia Meloni’s official visit to Azerbaijan show that these relations are developing consistently and systematically. Giorgia Meloni’s visit is of special importance both politically and symbolically. Her visit to Azerbaijan after the multilateral event held in the Armenian capital is a real indicator of the importance given to our country and the friendship between the two countries.”
Energy cooperation: Azerbaijan’s role in Europe’s security
Tahir Mirkishili stated that one of the main pillars of Azerbaijan–Italy cooperation is the energy sector, and in this field the parties have been acting as reliable partners for many years: “Today, Azerbaijan is one of the main countries playing an important role in Italy’s energy security and ranks second in both gas and oil supply. In 2025, Azerbaijan’s gas exports to Italy amounted to 10 billion cubic meters, and in total nearly 50 billion cubic meters of gas have been transported to this country via the Southern Gas Corridor. These indicators further strengthen Azerbaijan’s role as a strategic actor in ensuring Europe’s energy security. In the current geopolitical conditions, the issue of energy security is of particular relevance for Europe, and Azerbaijan stands out as a reliable partner in this field. The parties have held discussions on increasing gas supply, developing new energy routes, and especially expanding the TAP project. This creates solid grounds for further deepening cooperation in the future.”
Economic ties and investment opportunities are expanding
The MP noted that Italy is Azerbaijan’s largest trading partner, and that trade turnover between the two countries has reached record levels in recent years:
“This cooperation is not limited to the energy sector, but also covers industry, construction, infrastructure, and other areas. Billions of dollars invested by the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan in the Italian economy, as well as the active presence of Italian companies in Azerbaijan, demonstrate a high level of mutual economic interest. Currently, more than 100 Italian companies operate in Azerbaijan, and their activities are particularly evident in strategic projects. Italian companies are also actively involved in reconstruction and development works in the liberated territories. More than 20 projects implemented in Karabakh and East Zangazur, industrial initiatives in Mingachevir, and the design of Victory museums are concrete results of this cooperation. This also reflects the trust placed in Italian companies. The meeting of the intergovernmental commission held in January this year and the business forum planned in Baku in 2026 will further contribute to the expansion of economic cooperation. These platforms will strengthen ties between business communities and create new investment opportunities.”
New phase in military-technical cooperation and security
Tahir Mirkishili noted that military-technical cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy has entered a new phase in recent years:
“This cooperation is not limited to the supply of weapons, but also includes technology exchange, joint production, and the application of innovative solutions. The visit of Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defence to Italy, the procurement of modern cargo aircraft for the Air Force, and other projects are practical results of this cooperation. This direction not only strengthens the country’s defence capability, but also contributes to the development of national industrial potential. At the same time, cooperation prospects in areas such as security, the aerospace industry, and infrastructure protection are also broad, and these areas will be among the key directions of future cooperation.”
Education, culture, and humanitarian ties are strengthening
The MP emphasized that one of the key factors ensuring the sustainability of Azerbaijan–Italy relations is humanitarian cooperation:
“The Italy–Azerbaijan University operating in Baku is one of the most important achievements of this cooperation. More than 500 students are already studying there, and the university will play an important role in training specialists who will contribute to the development of relations between the two countries in the future. Joint projects implemented in the fields of culture, science, and education strengthen mutual understanding between the peoples and reinforce the social foundations of the strategic partnership. These ties create a solid basis for long-term cooperation.”
Italy’s role in relations with the EU and regional significance
Tahir Mirkishili stated that Italy plays a special role in the development of Azerbaijan’s relations with the European Union:
“Italy acts as one of Azerbaijan’s closest partners within the EU, and its support makes a significant contribution to the expansion of Azerbaijan–EU cooperation. Energy, transport, and logistics are priority areas in this cooperation. Azerbaijan, acting as a strategic transit hub between Europe and Asia, is strengthening its role as an important transport and energy hub in the region. This increases the country’s importance both economically and geopolitically. The high-level dialogue and mutual trust established between Azerbaijan and Italy give a strong impetus to the development of cooperation in all areas. The visit of Giorgia Meloni to Azerbaijan not only confirms the current level of relations between the two countries, but also outlines directions for future development. The Azerbaijan–Italy partnership is no longer significant only within the framework of bilateral relations, but also in a broader regional and global context. This model of cooperation will deepen further in the coming years, cover new areas, and, while serving the national interests of both countries, will also contribute to international stability.”
