Wang Yi Speaks with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister on the Phone over the 30th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Two Countries

On April 20, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

Wang Yi said, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-Azerbaijan diplomatic ties. Standing together through thick and thin over the past 30 years, China and Azerbaijan have ensured that the friendly and cooperative partnership between the two countries remains a shining example of state-to-state relations. Just as President Ilham Aliyev pointed out, Azerbaijan and China are "true strategic partners". China believes that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Azerbaijan relations will open up new bright prospects and sail into a new stage featuring greater maturity and more connotations.

Wang Yi said, China will, as always, respect Azerbaijan's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and support the Azerbaijani people in independently choosing their development path in line with national conditions. China believes that Azerbaijan will continue to support China's legitimate position on issues concerning China's core interests, and that Azerbaijan will always adhere to the one-China principle and oppose "Taiwan independence" in whatever forms. China is ready to work with Azerbaijan to seek greater synergy between development strategies, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, consolidate the traditional friendship between the two peoples, and cement the social foundation of China-Azerbaijan relations. China welcomes Azerbaijan's active participation in the Global Development Initiative (GDI).

Bayramov congratulated China on the successful hosting of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, and thanked China for its valuable support to Azerbaijan's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. China's vaccine assistance, marking a timely help, has made Azerbaijan one of the first countries in the world to have COVID-19 vaccines. The two sides should grandly celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, and strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation, so as to fully demonstrate the high level of bilateral relations. Azerbaijan will continue to abide by the one-China principle, which is also an integral part of upholding the basic norms governing international relations. More Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest and do business in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is also ready to strengthen cooperation with China under the framework of the GDI.