Baku: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Italian President Sergio Mattarella have lauded the ongoing advancement of bilateral relations, characterizing them as a comprehensive strategic partnership. This statement was made during a joint press appearance in Baku, marking Mattarella's second official visit to Azerbaijan, the first of which occurred seven years ago.

According to Anadolu Agency, Aliyev emphasized the significance of the visit as a testament to the successful development of Italian-Azerbaijani relations, underscoring their status as strategic partners. He highlighted the signing of two major strategic partnership agreements since 2015, leading to expanded cooperation in various sectors. Aliyev acknowledged Italy's pivotal role in facilitating the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which began exporting Azerbaijani gas to Italy in 2020, and noted that Italy remains Azerbaijan's top trading partner, with oil and gas exports being crucial.

Aliyev further mentioned future initiatives like electricity exports to Europe through upcoming infrastructure projects that could extend to Central Asia. Mattarella expressed gratitude for the invitation and warm hospitality, reiterating the partnership's importance and its development into culture and education. He referenced the previous visit in 2017 and the inauguration of an industrial facility as the beginning of deeper economic cooperation, with the current agenda reflecting expansion into new areas.

The Italian president announced the inauguration of the student campus of the Italy-Azerbaijan University, highlighting the close cooperation between Italian and Azerbaijani universities. He described Azerbaijan as a significant partner for Europe and committed to strengthening EU-Azerbaijan ties. Both leaders viewed the visit as a milestone in their partnership, with Aliyev calling it a model for countries far apart and Mattarella expressing Italy's resolve to elevate the friendship to its highest potential.