21 November 2022 16:30

On 21 November 2022, a telephone conversation was held between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic Antonio Tajani.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov first congratulated his counterpart on his appointment to this high position and wished him success in his activities. The Minister noted that high-level and top-level visits held between the two countries have played an important role in strengthening the strategic partnership, particularly the visits of Italian President Sergio Mattarella to Azerbaijan in 2018, of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Italy in 2020 and in September of this year, as well as of former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio to our country in 2022.

It was emphasized that the existing multidimensional strategic partnership relations and political dialogue between our countries should be further expanded within the framework of the "Joint Declaration on the Strengthening of the Multidimensional Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Italian Republic." Touching upon cooperation between the two countries in the field of education, the Minister noted the importance of the Italian-Azerbaijani University, the foundation of which was laid during the visit of the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs to Baku. Alongside expressing satisfaction with the development of cooperation in the energy sector, readiness was expressed for the organization in Baku of the next meeting of the Azerbaijan-Italy Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, whose last meeting was held in Rome.

The Minister also provided information on the restoration and reconstruction works being carried out in the post-conflict period following the Patriotic War, as well as on the normalization and peace process with Armenia, and expressed his deep gratitude for Italy's support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. At the same time, it was noted that Italy is among the first countries to have participated in the restoration and reconstruction works in the liberated territories.

Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized that they are satisfied with the strategic dialogue and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy. It was noted that Italy has consistently supported peace and stability in our region. The Minister drew attention to the fact that, alongside energy, there are also broad prospects for cooperation in the fields of education and culture.

The sides noted with satisfaction the existence of effective cooperation relations in the economic field between Azerbaijan and Italy, highlighting in this regard that Italy is Azerbaijan's largest trading partner, while Azerbaijan is one of Italy's largest energy suppliers. They emphasized the importance of the Southern Gas Corridor and its constituent part, the TAP gas pipeline, in expanding cooperation in the energy sector.

During the phone call, other issues of mutual interest were also discussed. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov invited the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs to visit our country.