Germany and Azerbaijan Forge New Economic and Energy Ties in Berlin
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed significant new economic agreements in Berlin, focusing on gas supplies and the diversification of European supply chains. The ongoing peace and reconciliation process with Armenia was also a key topic of discussion.
Relations between Germany and Azerbaijan are expanding beyond energy to encompass industry and logistics. Following Tuesday's visit to Berlin, the two nations adopted a joint declaration on a strategic partnership agenda and established the Azerbaijan-Germany Business Council. The move aligns with Europe's broader strategy to secure new supply chains and reduce its dependence on Russia.
Energy Interests and the Middle Corridor
President Aliyev announced that Baku has already begun supplying gas to Germany this year. Commenting on the newly signed agreements, he stated:
"I am convinced that the documents signed today will elevate our relations to a new level."Chancellor Merz, in turn, highlighted the South Caucasus as a "crucial hub connecting Europe and Asia," emphasizing the importance of developing transport routes that bypass Russia.
Armenia-Azerbaijan Normalization Process
The sluggish reconciliation process with Armenia was a central topic during the talks. Merz welcomed the initialing of a peace document at the White House last August, calling it a "historic agreement." However, Baku continues to demand constitutional changes in Armenia before finalizing the treaty. Meanwhile, Aliyev noted that over 40,000 tons of transit cargo had been transported to Armenia via Azerbaijani territory.
Shifting Regional Alliances
The South Caucasus is experiencing dramatic shifts in foreign policy vectors. In February 2025, Armenia's parliament initiated the process of joining the European Union, while Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan continues to keep the country's membership in the Russian-led CSTO military alliance frozen. Furthermore, France has been directly supporting Yerevan, supplying 36 "Caesar" howitzers, radar systems, and armored vehicles.
Conversely, Azerbaijan is actively restoring its ties with Russia. Bilateral relations had severely deteriorated after a Russian air defense system shot down an Azerbaijani aircraft in Kazakhstan on December 25, 2024, resulting in 38 fatalities. However, by July 17, Foreign Ministers Jeyhun Bayramov and Sergey Lavrov announced the full normalization of relations. Trade turnover between the two countries is expected to reach 4.9 billion dollars in 2025.
This article was generated automatically using AI based on reporting from established news sources. All sources are listed below.
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