Euronews takes an in-depth look at Ilham Aliyev’s Dublin diplomacy: Who did he meet?

Azerbaijan’s participation in the 9th Summit of the European Political Community, held in Dublin, has been significant in terms of expanding energy ties with the European Union, establishing a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom, and discussing relations with Ukraine and Armenia.

TodayPress TV reports, citing “Report”, that this was stated in an article published by “Euronews” focusing on President Ilham Aliyev’s meetings on the sidelines of the summit.

The publication noted that the Azerbaijani leader held around 12 bilateral meetings during the summit, discussing energy, transport links, security, technology and regional cooperation.

Expanding energy cooperation with the EU

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said the country intends to increase and diversify its energy supplies to Europe, extending their geographical reach beyond the 10 EU member states that already receive Azerbaijani gas.

On the sidelines of the summit, the head of state met with European Council President António Costa. The two sides discussed long-term energy contracts in the context of successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU in gas supplies.

Euronews recalled that the strategic energy partnership between Azerbaijan and the EU was established in 2022.

The President of the European Council highlighted the mutual benefits of cooperation between the two sides.

Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan had increased its gas supplies to the EU from 8 billion to 13 billion cubic metres.

Cooperation also covers renewable energy, the development of which is one of Azerbaijan’s strategic goals. Ilham Aliyev drew attention to an agreement between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye and Bulgaria on exporting “green energy” to European markets.

The two sides also discussed the development of transport links under the global Middle Corridor, which connects Asia with Europe through the South Caucasus, Central Asia and the Black Sea.

Strategic partnership with the United Kingdom

In Dublin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership.

The new framework for the partnership covers security, trade and investment, renewable energy, infrastructure, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

British officials described the signing of the declaration as a historic milestone. The leaders of the two countries agreed to expand bilateral trade and ties between private companies.

Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom also agreed to support the development of the Middle Corridor, including transport, logistics and infrastructure projects that facilitate cross-border trade and investment.

Advancing the peace process with Armenia

In Dublin, Ilham Aliyev held further talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, continuing the historic peace process between the two countries. The sides discussed strengthening peace, border delimitation, the interconnection of electricity grids and other issues.

The leaders also reviewed the implementation of the TRIPP project, including plans for its railway and road components.

Expanding European ties

In Dublin, Ilham Aliyev also met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The sides discussed modernising the infrastructure of the Southern Gas Corridor and developing bilateral relations, with the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) serving as a key component.

During a meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, the parties reviewed energy cooperation, strengthening Moldova’s energy security, and the development of trade and economic ties.

The Azerbaijani president also held talks on energy issues with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.

Zahra Mammadova