President Ilham Aliyev met with Chairman of People's Republic of China Xi Jinping in Beijing.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping welcomed the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

The heads of state took photos together.

Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping said:

 - Mr. President Aliyev, welcome you again in Beijing, welcome to the forthcoming 2nd International Cooperation Forum "One Belt, One Road".  The Azerbaijani side and you personally pay great attention to the development of the Chinese-Azerbaijani relations and the joint implementation of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.  We appreciate it.

Azerbaijan is one of the main partners of China in cooperation with Eurasia.  You are also one of the first to respond to the implementation of the "One Belt, One Road" project and one of those who are actively involved in the project.  Your country is on the Great Silk Road and it is a natural partner for the restoration of the road.  Our cooperation now has some results, and this cooperation is a real benefit to our peoples.  Together with you, I am ready to continue the realization of the "One Belt, One Road" project and to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all spheres for joint development and prosperity.

Mr. President, You are long-time friend of the Chinese people, personally strive for the development of Chinese-Azerbaijani relations and cooperation in all spheres.  I appreciate it, and I am ready to work closely with you and to develop bilateral relations together on a sound basis.  The Chinese Communist Party is ready to intensify ties with the New Azerbaijan Party, to exchange experience in public administration, and to strengthen mutual trust between the two countries.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said:

 - Mr. Chairman, thank you for the good words you said to me and about our country.  I would like to thank you, primarily for the invitation.  We believe that being invited to participate in the "Belt, Road" Forum is a sign of friendship and respect for our country.  You mentioned that I am a friend of your country, and in Azerbaijan you are known as a good friend of Azerbaijan.  We will advance our cooperation with our joint efforts, and we will identify ways for further interaction.

Holding this Forum is of great importance.  As you mentioned, Azerbaijan has supported your initiative from the very beginning and is actively advancing this project within the framework of our initiatives.  In 2015, I would like to recall my state visit to your country and the hospitality shown to me here.  At that time, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Silk Road Economic Pipeline.  Today our political relations are at a high level.  We actively interact with international organizations.

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Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping said that successful Azerbaijani domestic and foreign policy was pursued under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the country's reputation in the international arena, stability in Azerbaijan, prosperity of our people and economic development.

He underlined China's support for Azerbaijan's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.  Xi Jinping underlined the importance of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor within the framework of the project "One Belt, One Road".

In his turn, President Ilham Aliyev stressed the consistent support of Azerbaijan's "United China" policy.  The Head of State conveyed his congratulations on the great achievements of China in all spheres.

The sides discussed cooperation in infrastructure, logistics, energy, tourism, agriculture, investment, information and communication technologies, education and humanitarian spheres, as well as cooperation between law enforcement agencies and international terrorism.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has invited Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping to visit our country.  The invitation was accepted with pleasure.