“The visit of Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to Azerbaijan should not only be considered an important step in terms of the development of bilateral relations, but should also be assessed as another confirmation of Azerbaijan’s increasing geopolitical weight,” member of the Azerbaijan-Czech interparliamentary relations working group Tural Ganjaliyev told APA.
According to him, the Czech Prime Minister’s statement that “Azerbaijan is a strategic partner of the Czech Republic” clearly reveals the essence and level of these relations: “Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s statement that ‘Azerbaijan is in the center of global attention’ is not accidental. This is a real indicator of the growing international interest in our country in recent times and confirms that Azerbaijan is becoming an important actor not only in the region but also in a broader geography.”
Intensified visits by European leaders: A sign of growing interest
Tural Ganjaliyev noted that the visits of high-level officials from four European countries – the presidents of Latvia and Ukraine, and the prime ministers of Lithuania and the Czech Republic – to Azerbaijan during April alone are noteworthy events. These visits are a clear example of Azerbaijan’s growing role in the international system and the importance attached to official Baku: “The diplomatic activity observed in recent months shows that Azerbaijan is now perceived not only as an energy partner, but also as a reliable platform for political dialogue and multilateral cooperation. The growing interest of European countries in the region is directly related to issues of energy security, transport corridors and stability.”
Gabala is emerging as a new diplomatic center
The MP noted that the reception of the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic in Gabala demonstrates a new diplomatic approach: “This is part of Azerbaijan’s policy of increasing the role of regions in the international relations system. The previous holding of the summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Gabala has also increased the strategic importance of this city. In this regard, Gabala is already forming as a new diplomatic center alongside Baku and Shusha. This is a successful result of Azerbaijan’s regional development model.”
Political dialogue and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic are deepening
Tural Ganjaliyev noted that relations between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic have entered a qualitatively new stage in recent years. The Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed in 2015 formed the institutional basis of these relations.
According to him, political consultations held in Prague, the intensity of mutual visits and mutual support within international organizations prove the sustainable nature of this partnership. President Ilham Aliyev’s four visits to the Czech Republic and the visits of Czech leadership to Azerbaijan demonstrate a high-level political dialogue.
Economic cooperation and growth in trade turnover
The MP stated that cooperation in the economic sphere is also developing dynamically. Trade turnover exceeding $814 million shows that these relations are based on a real economic foundation. The Czech Republic being one of Azerbaijan’s main export partners confirms the strengthening of the country’s position in the European market.
He added that, as noted by President Ilham Aliyev, diversification of the structure of trade turnover is an important issue. In this regard, expanding cooperation in the non-oil sector is one of the main goals ahead.
Energy cooperation: Transition from a traditional model to new directions
According to Tural Ganjaliyev, the energy sector remains one of the main directions in Azerbaijan-Czech relations. The significant share of Azerbaijani oil in the Czech Republic’s energy balance demonstrates the strategic nature of this cooperation: “The Czech Republic’s interest in long-term gas supply contracts proves that Azerbaijan’s role in Europe’s energy security is further increasing. At the same time, prospects for cooperation in renewable energy, energy efficiency and hydrogen indicate that relations are moving to a new stage.”
Cooperation in industry, defense and technology sectors
The MP emphasized that cooperation in the defense industry is also one of the important directions: “As noted by President Ilham Aliyev, joint production projects are already being discussed in this field, which is of particular importance for strengthening Azerbaijan’s defense potential. At the same time, the intention of Czech companies to establish joint ventures in Azerbaijan and invest in innovation and scientific research indicates that economic cooperation will deepen further.”
Tural Ganjaliyev said that the restoration of direct flights between Baku and Prague has made a significant contribution to the development of relations. Flights operated several times a week expand cooperation in both business and tourism sectors.
He added that the Karlovy Vary airport project and other transport initiatives will serve to further intensify relations between the two countries.
Azerbaijan’s international position is strengthening
According to the MP, all these processes show that Azerbaijan is already being accepted as a strategic partner beyond the regional framework in a broader geopolitical space. The increase in diplomatic activity, expansion of economic cooperation and the formation of new diplomatic centers further strengthen this trend.
Tural Ganjaliyev emphasized in conclusion that the multifaceted cooperation model formed between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic opens wide opportunities for deeper integration and new strategic projects in the future. According to him, this dynamic demonstrates that Azerbaijan’s position in the international system is not only stabilizing but also strengthening further.
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