On January 13, Parviz Shahbazov, the Energy Minister of Azerbaijan, stated at the sixth meeting of the Azerbaijan–Italy Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in Baku that Italy could become a major logistics hub for Europe within the Middle Corridor project.

During the meeting, Shahbazov emphasized that relations between Azerbaijan and Italy are developing across a wide range of areas, including military-technical cooperation. He noted that Italy was among the first countries involved in projects implemented in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories. He further stated that cooperation within the Southern Gas Corridor plays an important role in strengthening Europe’s energy security, including that of Italy.

Shahbazov stressed that the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline has supplied Europe with 54.3 billion cubic meters of gas to date, of which 45.4 billion cubic meters were delivered to Italy. He emphasized that this cooperation continues to contribute to regional energy stability. He also stated that regional green energy corridor initiatives linking Azerbaijan with Central Asia, Türkiye, and Europe open new prospects for bilateral relations.

The minister emphasized that Italy’s CESI company is serving as a consulting partner in preparing feasibility studies for the Caspian–Black Sea–Europe and Central Asia–Azerbaijan green energy corridor projects. He added that Italian investments in Azerbaijan have reached $805 million, while Azerbaijani investments in Italy amount to $342 million, noting that Italy accounts for 46.7% of Azerbaijan’s exports.

Shahbazov stated that the market value of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan’s investment portfolio in Italy stands at $2.8 billion. He emphasized that signing an agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of investments is among the key priorities for future cooperation. He also noted that Azerbaijan maintained its position as Italy’s largest supplier of crude oil and second-largest supplier of natural gas last year, delivering 10.34 million tons of oil and 9.5 billion cubic meters of gas.

Shahbazov stated that Italian companies are actively participating in renewable energy projects in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories. He emphasized that the solar and wind energy potential in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur exceeds 10,000 megawatts. These territories have been declared green energy zones, and the Italian company Ansaldo Energia is actively involved in constructing substations and restoring energy infrastructure.

The minister emphasized that Azerbaijan’s transition to green energy will elevate cooperation with Italy to a new level. He stated that Azerbaijan aims to be not only a supplier of traditional energy resources but also a key partner in green energy development. He added that significant opportunities for cooperation also exist in agriculture, industry, transport, and logistics.

Shahbazov stated that Azerbaijan and Italy plan to hold 65 joint events across 18 areas in 2026–2027. He emphasized that political consultations are also scheduled, stating that "all this demonstrates that relations between Azerbaijan and Italy are at a strategic level".

At the same meeting, Edmondo Cirielli, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, stated that the Washington summit held on August 8, 2025, has positively influenced the situation in the South Caucasus. He emphasized that "thanks to President Donald Trump, a significant event took place in Washington on August 8; it is truly historic".

Cirielli emphasized that the opening of the Italy-Azerbaijan University in Baku demonstrates the strength and steady development of bilateral relations. He stated it was significant to convene the commission again after a six-year break. He noted that cooperation has intensified since the formation of Italy’s new government in October 2022 under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Cirielli recalled the visit of Sergio Mattarella, the President of Italy, to Azerbaijan in September of the previous year, describing it as symbolic and rich in practical outcomes. He emphasized that the opening of the Italy-Azerbaijan University campus is a clear example of strong bilateral ties. He also stressed the importance of cooperation in education and youth engagement.

The deputy minister noted high-level contacts, including a meeting between Ilham Aliyev and Giorgia Meloni in Denmark. He added that Jeyhun Bayramov had discussed the next stages of partnership during his visit to Rome in late November. An important business forum is expected to be held in Baku as a practical step toward strengthening trade.

Following the meeting, a protocol of the sixth session was signed by Shahbazov and Cirielli. An Action Plan for 2026–2027 was approved, envisaging 65 measures in 18 areas. Political consultations were also held between the foreign ministries, where Jeyhun Bayramov met with Edmondo Cirielli to discuss a multidimensional strategic partnership.