President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Zhang Guoqing, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, on May 18.

Axar.az reports that Zhang Guoqing first conveyed the greetings of Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, to the President of Azerbaijan, noting that President Xi Jinping regards President Ilham Aliyev as a friend of China.

The head of state expressed gratitude for the greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to Xi Jinping. President Ilham Aliyev said he highly appreciates the Chinese President’s calling him a permanent friend of China.

Zhang Guoqing stated that topical issues related to the global urbanization agenda are being discussed at the 13th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13). He expressed his honor in participating in the event and emphasized that China attaches great importance to the Forum. He conveyed his congratulations to President Ilham Aliyev on Azerbaijan hosting such a prestigious event. He also described President Ilham Aliyev’s speech at the opening ceremony of the Forum as highly substantive.

The head of state thanked him for the congratulations.

President Ilham Aliyev described China’s representation at the event with a high-level delegation as a sign of respect and friendship toward Azerbaijan.

The Vice Premier hailed the rapid growth of Azerbaijan-China relations, recalling the meetings between the heads of state and noting that bilateral relations have reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

He thanked Azerbaijan for its firm position regarding China’s Taiwan province, emphasizing that China has always supported Azerbaijan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Zhang Guoqing noted China’s support for the development path chosen by Azerbaijan based on the interests of its people.

President Ilham Aliyev fondly recalled his state visit to China and expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown, highlighting the importance of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership document signed during that visit.

President Ilham Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan, as a country that has suffered from separatism in the past, condemns separatism in all its forms and manifestations. He noted that Azerbaijan not only did not recognize the illegal elections held in China’s Taiwan province but was also one of the few countries that issued a statement condemning them. President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan consistently supports the “One China” policy.

During the conversation, the sides commended the successful development of Azerbaijan-China relations across various fields.

Relations between the New Azerbaijan Party and the Communist Party of China were highlighted. The two countries’ successful cooperation within international organizations was emphasized. They also praised the expansion of economic and trade ties between Azerbaijan and China and exchanged views on prospects for cooperation in political, economic, transit, transport, cargo transportation, military-technical partnership, and other areas.