The official visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to China has played a significant role in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. During the visit, important agreements were reached to further expand cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in the fields of politics, economy, transport, and culture. Discussions were also held on regional and global projects, particularly the “Belt and Road” initiative and the future of the Zangezur Corridor.
On this occasion, Ahmad Shahidov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Institute for Democracy and Human Rights and a well-known human rights defender, gave an extensive interview to China’s prominent international television channel CGTN. In the interview, he shared his views on President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to China, the developing cooperation between the two countries, the “Belt and Road” project, the regional implications of the Zangezur Corridor, and security matters.
Ahmad Shahidov emphasized that the political, economic, and cultural relations between Azerbaijan and China have been dynamically developing in recent years. He noted that President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to China marked an important milestone in further deepening these ties and elevating them to the level of a strategic partnership.
Speaking about the “Belt and Road” initiative, Ahmad Shahidov highlighted Azerbaijan’s growing role as a regional transit and logistics hub. He stated that thanks to the country’s geographical location and investments in its transportation infrastructure, Azerbaijan has become one of the key partners in this global project.
Ahmad Shahidov also spoke about the positive impact that the opening of the Zangezur Corridor would have on regional economic cooperation and peace. He stressed that this corridor would create new transportation opportunities not only for Azerbaijan but also for China, Central Asian, and European countries, contributing to stability in the region.
In conclusion, Ahmad Shahidov noted that humanitarian and cultural ties between Azerbaijan and China are also strengthening and expressed his confidence that mutual trust-based relations would continue to grow in the future.
The interview, broadcast via CGTN, was met with interest by an international audience and delivered important messages about the future of Azerbaijan-China relations.
