Aliyev and Zelenskyy hold talks in Gabala, focusing on security and energy

On April 25, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks in Gabala, after which the two leaders delivered press statements. The Ukrainian president’s visit marked his first trip to Azerbaijan since the start of the war and was accompanied by the signing of a package of bilateral documents.

Ilham Aliyev emphasized the stable and dynamic nature of relations between Baku and Kyiv, noting that the two presidents have met seven times over the past four years. According to him, cooperation is based on a solid political foundation established by strategic partnership agreements signed in 2008 and 2011, which enshrine mutual support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of both countries.

The Azerbaijani president highlighted key areas of cooperation, ranging from political dialogue to energy and industry. In particular, he recalled SOCAR’s operations in Ukraine and pointed to significant potential for expanding joint projects, including investment initiatives. Special attention was also paid to trade turnover, which has already exceeded $500 million, with prospects for further growth.

The sides also discussed the development of military-technical cooperation. Aliyev noted opportunities for joint production both in the defense sector and across industry more broadly.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in turn, reaffirmed mutual support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries and expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for its assistance. He stated that six documents were signed during the visit and identified security and the defense industry as key areas of cooperation.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine is ready to share its wartime experience and has already sent specialists to Azerbaijan. He stressed that the sides intend to move toward joint production in the defense sector.

Considerable attention was also given to energy. Zelenskyy noted that amid global challenges, Ukraine needs reliable partners and thanked Baku for 11 packages of humanitarian and energy assistance provided during a difficult winter period.

The Ukrainian leader also expressed special gratitude for Azerbaijan’s support for children from frontline regions, noting that more than 500 Ukrainian children have received assistance.

Efforts to achieve peace were also discussed during the talks. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is interested in expanding negotiation formats and did not rule out the possibility of holding talks in Azerbaijan with the participation of all parties.

At the end of the visit, the presidents held a brief conversation, reaffirming their intention to deepen their strategic partnership across a wide range of areas.