On April 22, 2024, the conference titled "Reassessing Azerbaijan-China Relations: The Way Forward" was organized by the Center for the Analysis of International Relations (AIR).

Azerbaijani government officials, MPs, as well as representatives of influential think tanks and academic institutions from the People's Republic of China participated in the conference.

Delivering the opening speech, Chairman of the Board of the AIR Center, Farid Shafiyev, emphasized that Azerbaijan-China relations will be discussed bilaterally for the first time, and the latest geopolitical processes taking place in the region will also be covered during the conference.

In his speech, Elshad Iskandarov, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, touched upon the overlapping points in the relations of the two countries. He said that Azerbaijan-China relations are based on deep historical ties:

"The history of our relations goes back 2,500 years, to the time of the ancient Silk Road. We have many things in common. Both countries’ policies are based on the development of common historical priorities. The two countries attach special importance to the issue of territorial integrity. Azerbaijan has declared its position on the issue of Taiwan. China has always supported Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty and has expressed its position on taking sovereignty as a basis in the UN Security Council.”

Stating Azerbaijan’s support for the "One Belt and One Road" Initiative, E. Iskandarov pointed out that the developing transport hub of our country will contribute to this project:

"The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars project is of great importance in terms of delivering cargoes of various purposes to the world, passing through Azerbaijan. I believe that both countries are determined to further develop the existing co-operation."

Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of China in Azerbaijan, Ding Tao, talked about the expansion of practical cooperation between the two countries. Noting that China and Azerbaijan share a common position on many issues, the diplomat said his country supports holding the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Azerbaijan.

“Today, serious work is being carried out to connect the Belt and Road Initiative with the Trans-Caspian route. The cooperation between the two countries in the field of alternative energy sources is underway. Azerbaijan opened 5 trading houses in China. In 2023, the trade turnover between the two countries reached a record level of $3.1 billion. This means a 43 percent increase."

The conference continued its work with the panel discussions titled “Global and Regional Developments: Views from Azerbaijan and China”, “Potential Synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route”, and “Cooperation between Azerbaijan and China for Mutual Benefit: Economic, Cultural and People to People Exchanges.”

The conference participants also visited the Highland Park, the Heydar Aliyev Center, the Inner City and explored the mud volcanoes in Gobustan. They got acquainted with the Baku International Sea Trade Port.  A presentation was introduced to the guests on the activities of the Baku International Sea Trade Port.