Baku, April 2nd—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan. 

Liu noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Azerbaijan 33 years ago, the two countries have always respected and trusted each other, and firmly supported each other on issues involving respective core interests, no matter how the international situation changed. China is promoting Chinese modernization by further deepening reform in an all-round way, while Azerbaijan is implementing the Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development. China is willing to work with Azerbaijan to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen the docking of development strategies, pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, support the construction of the Middle Corridor, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in energy, infrastructure, production capacity and other fields, and promote the in-depth development of China-Azerbaijan strategic partnership. China firmly supports Azerbaijan in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity and supports Azerbaijan in taking a development path that suits its national conditions. 

Liu said, exchanges between the legislative bodies and political parties play an important role in promoting the development of China-Azerbaijan relations and enhancing people-to-people bonds. China appreciates the Azerbaijan National Assembly's commitment to friendship with China and is willing to strengthen exchanges between the two countries' legislative bodies and political parties, deepen exchanges of experience in state governance and administration, build more platforms for cooperation in various fields between the two countries, and enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and Azerbaijan peoples. In today's world fraught with turmoil and chaos, China is willing to strengthen strategic communication as well as bilateral and multilateral coordination with Azerbaijan on international and regional affairs to jointly promote regional peace, stability and development. 

Gafarova said, the good working relationship and deep friendship between the two heads of state have laid a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations. Recent years have witnessed flouring bilateral cooperation in various fields such as economy, culture, and investment and an increasing number of Chinese companies investing in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan supports and actively participates in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by President Xi Jinping, and is willing to expand practical cooperation in various fields with China under the framework of the BRI. Azerbaijan firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports China in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Azerbaijan and China have similar positions and support each other on many international and regional issues. It stands ready to further strengthen international coordination with China to jointly resist risks and challenges. Political dialogue is of great significance to enhancing mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries. The National Assembly of Azerbaijan is willing to actively promote dialogue and exchanges between the two countries' legislative bodies and political parties, deepen cooperation in culture, education, youth, etc., and boost the development of bilateral relations. 

Soltan  Mammadov, the leader of the Working Group for the Azerbaijani-Chinese Interparliamentary Relations in the National Assembly, and Azer Kamal oglu Amiraslanov, head of the Committee for Economic Policy, Industries and Enterprising, and others, were present.