Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev attended the “SCO Plus” format summit in Tianjin, China, where he delivered a speech emphasising deepening ties with Beijing and Azerbaijan’s role in regional transport corridors, according to the Azerbaijani presidential website.

Aliyev said bilateral relations had reached “a qualitatively new level” in recent years, highlighting the 2023 Astana summit where a strategic partnership was declared and his 2024 state visit to China when the two sides signed a joint declaration on a comprehensive strategic partnership. He praised China’s Global Development, Global Security, Global Civilisation and Global Governance initiatives, calling them “important and timely steps”.

He underlined that cooperation with China covers politics, trade, investment, energy, transport, digital economy, education, and culture. Since July 2025, a visa-free regime has been in force, boosting tourism. Azerbaijan, he added, was among the first to support the Belt and Road Initiative and is developing major practical projects under this framework.

The president stressed that Azerbaijan is an active hub for East-West and North-South transport routes, with Baku expanding the capacity of Alat Port from 15mn to 25mn tonnes annually. Cargo via the Middle Corridor through Azerbaijan has grown by about 90% since 2022, with transit times cut significantly. He said the recently reached agreement on connections between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan would expand international transit opportunities, while the Zangezur Corridor was set to become “a key segment of both the Middle Corridor and North-South Corridor” in the near future.

Later on September 1, Aliyev met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the SCO summit. The leaders discussed the peace agenda, underlined the importance of constructive dialogue and regional stability, and noted the positive momentum achieved at the recent Washington summit. They agreed to continue contact.

Aliyev also met Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Jin Liqun. Both sides praised cooperation, including in green energy. They discussed future collaboration on the Middle Corridor, metro construction, and water infrastructure. A joint declaration on strategic cooperation was exchanged in their presence.

Aliyev held talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who thanked Azerbaijan for its political support during the Pakistani-Indian April-May aggression. Aliyev responded that for Azerbaijan, “brotherly ties with Pakistan are above all else”, despite India’s attempts to retaliate against Baku in international organisations. Sharif highlighted the importance of the trilateral Azerbaijan-Turkey-Pakistan format and congratulated Aliyev on progress in Armenia-Azerbaijan normalisation. Discussions also covered economic and trade cooperation, with instructions given to expand ties. The implementation of an “ASAN service” model in Pakistan was described as a positive step. 

Meanwhile, Indian officials opposed Azerbaijan’s full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, citing its close ties with Pakistan, according to pro-government Azerbaijani broadcaster AnewZ. Beijing, however, confirmed its support for Baku’s application, calling it in line with the “Shanghai spirit”. Earlier, India became a major problem for Azerbaijani attempts at joining BRICS.

Aliyev later met Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who praised Azerbaijan’s organisation of COP29 and recalled his meeting with Aliyev in Baku. The two discussed political consultations, investment and trade cooperation, tourism and direct flights. They also noted the need for simplified visa procedures and legal framework expansion. Muizzu invited Aliyev for an official visit, which he accepted.

Aliyev met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to review bilateral cooperation, including energy and transport. They discussed SOCAR’s cooperation with Turkey’s BOTAŞ and the delivery of Azerbaijani gas to Syria with Qatari financial backing. The leaders also highlighted the foundation of the Kars-Iğdır-Dilucu railway and rail projects in Nakhchivan. Talks covered the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, with Turkey’s stabilising regional role emphasised. They also discussed preparations for the upcoming Turkic States Organisation summit in Azerbaijan.