Key facts
- Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev confirmed clandestine meetings between German and Russian officials occurred in Baku.
- Aliyev stated Azerbaijan was unaware its territory was being used for these meetings.
- Azerbaijan and Germany signed a strategic partnership declaration covering energy, transport, and trade.
- Germany is increasing its reliance on Azerbaijani gas, with deliveries expected to reach 2 billion cubic metres annually by next year.
- The Middle Corridor trade route was a prominent topic during Aliyev's visit to Berlin.
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev confirmed that clandestine meetings between German and Russian officials took place in Baku, stating that his country was used without its knowledge. This revelation emerged as Aliyev was in Berlin for a state visit to deepen energy and trade ties with Germany.
During the visit, Azerbaijan and Germany signed a strategic partnership declaration encompassing energy, transport, and trade. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Azerbaijan's increasing gas deliveries, which are expected to reach 2 billion cubic metres annually by next year, marking a further step away from reliance on Moscow. Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan is ready to increase energy supplies to Germany and other European Union countries, particularly as Russia's energy infrastructure faces damage from the war in Ukraine.
The Southern Gas Corridor, through which Azerbaijani gas began flowing to Germany in 2024, was highlighted as a reliable supply route. Germany aims to build a long-term relationship with Azerbaijan, which currently supplies around 12 billion cubic metres of gas per year to Europe. The Middle Corridor trade route, connecting China to Europe via Azerbaijan, was also a key discussion point, with Aliyev noting Azerbaijan's investments in expanding port capacity at Alat on the Caspian Sea.
Discussions also touched upon the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US, which has disrupted regional energy and trade flows. Aliyev affirmed Azerbaijan's balanced position and readiness to support diplomatic efforts for stability. Chancellor Merz, in turn, praised the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and urged a finalization of the peace agreement.
Experts noted the visit's significance in broadening bilateral cooperation beyond energy to include green energy, low-carbon hydrogen, digital transformation, and industrial modernization. Germany increasingly views Azerbaijan as a partner for industrial and logistics projects linking Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. The establishment of a joint Business Council and inclusion of educational and cultural exchanges were seen as strengthening the partnership.