Xi, leaders engage in high-level talks

Azerbaijan gets support for joining SCO

President Xi Jinping said on Sunday that China supports Azerbaijan in joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and stands ready to enhance multilateral coordination with the country to safeguard the common interests of the Global South and jointly advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Xi made the remarks during his meeting with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev in Tianjin.

Azerbaijan is currently a dialogue partner of the SCO.

Xi said that China and Azerbaijan are good friends and good partners. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 33 years ago, the traditional friendship between the two countries has continuously deepened, political mutual trust has strengthened and mutually beneficial cooperation has yielded fruitful results, he said.

The establishment of the China-Azerbaijan comprehensive strategic partnership in April ushered in a new chapter of all-around cooperation between the two nations, he noted.

Xi emphasized that China and Azerbaijan should maintain strategic communication and firmly support each other.

The two countries should foster greater synergy between their development strategies and advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, he said, adding that efforts should be made to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and continuously improve the efficiency of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

Aliyev said the comprehensive strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China reflects the high level of bilateral ties. He noted that the two countries have maintained close high-level exchanges and have consistently supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns.

JI HAISHENG