From July 10-12, Azerbaijani officials, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev and Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome and held bilateral meetings with Ukrainian counterparts, focusing on humanitarian aid, energy cooperation, and expanding their strategic partnership.

Azerbaijan's Participation at Ukraine Recovery Conference

On July 10-11, Yalchin Rafiyev, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, led a delegation to the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, Italy. The fourth conference on Ukraine’s recovery brought together representatives from 56 countries, 27 international organizations and financial institutions, and 120 companies. In his remarks, Rafiyev stated that the war in Ukraine poses a serious threat to regional peace and security. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to resolving the conflict diplomatically, in accordance with international law, and emphasized Azerbaijan’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty since the war’s onset. He also expressed deep regret over the severe humanitarian consequences of the ongoing crisis.Rafiyev highlighted that Azerbaijan was among the first countries to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine, delivering a total of $42 million in financial assistance for the country’s recovery. He noted that Azerbaijan’s social-psychological rehabilitation program for Ukrainian children had doubled its beneficiaries since the previous Ukraine Recovery Conference, with 330 children now participating. The Deputy Minister reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s solidarity with countries affected by mine contamination, drawing parallels with Azerbaijan’s own demining efforts in its liberated territories. He announced that Azerbaijan would send equipment and provide specialized training in Ukraine through the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA). Additionally, Rafiyev mentioned Azerbaijan’s ongoing involvement in restoration projects in Ukraine’s cities of Kyiv and Irpin. 

On the sidelines of the conference, Rafiyev held bilateral meetings. In his discussion with Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, they explored prospects for future bilateral cooperation. During his meeting with Edmondo Cirielli, Italy’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, they focused on strategic partnership issues between Azerbaijan and Italy, praising the expanding cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres.Aid to UkraineAccording to Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, Azerbaijan has provided $42 million in aid to Ukraine. The ministry emphasized the severe humanitarian consequences of the crisis, stating, “Azerbaijan was among the first countries to send humanitarian aid to Ukraine, delivering a total of $42 million in assistance, including medicine, food, electrical equipment, and support for recovery and reconstruction.” The ministry also noted that the number of children benefiting from Azerbaijan’s medical and socio-psychological rehabilitation program has doubled since last year’s Recovery Conference.

Bilateral Energy Relations

On July 12, Parviz Shahbazov, Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister, met with German Galushchenko, his Ukrainian counterpart. Shahbazov posted on X, “We held productive discussions on advancing Azerbaijani-Ukrainian relations in all areas with Energy Minister German Galushchenko. The action plan adopted at the 13th meeting of the Azerbaijani-Ukrainian Intergovernmental Commission, co-chaired by us, will deepen our cooperation.”At the 13th meeting of the Azerbaijani-Ukrainian Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) on economic cooperation, Galushchenko emphasized Ukraine’s high regard for its strategic partnership with Azerbaijan and its commitment to further strengthening relations. Before the session, the co-chairs, Shahbazov and Galushchenko, met and noted that bilateral relations are built on mutual trust and effective partnership. They expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s ongoing humanitarian support to Ukraine and discussed enhancing cooperation across various fields.The hybrid-format IGC meeting reviewed the current state and potential opportunities for cooperation in political, economic, trade, industrial, energy, transport, scientific, educational, cultural, and information and communication technology sectors. Shahbazov stated that the adoption of the Action Plan within the commission would elevate cooperation to a new level and facilitate greater use of opportunities in energy, minerals, agriculture, industrial parks, and free economic zones. Galushchenko remarked that the two nations share strong historical ties, mutual respect, and a common vision for regional cooperation and sustainable development. He added, “Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to support Ukraine with energy equipment, and this assistance has been vital for our energy sector. We believe this meeting will help identify new joint initiatives to strengthen the foundation of our long-term partnership.”Following the IGC meeting, a protocol was signed, and a decision was made to hold the 14th meeting of the commission in Kyiv.

Meeting Between Prime Minister of Azerbaijan and Ukrainian Minister of Energy

On July 12, Ali Asadov, Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, met with German Galushchenko, Ukraine’s Minister of Energy. The meeting underscored the consistent mutual support for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the development of friendly and cooperative relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine. They highlighted the importance of that day’s Intergovernmental Commission meeting in Baku, particularly for expanding economic ties in various areas. The Ukrainian minister thanked Azerbaijan for the humanitarian assistance provided to Ukraine’s people. Discussions also covered the current state of Azerbaijan-Ukraine bilateral relations and prospects for cooperation in economy, energy, agriculture, humanitarian issues, and other sectors.