Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi used the sidelines of the 7th Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Summit in Baku to advance Beijing’s relations with two key partners, holding talks with Azerbaijani leaders and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov welcomed Wang Yi for discussions on expanding the strategic partnership between the two countries. The talks covered trade, energy and transport cooperation, with particular attention to the Middle Corridor, the trade route linking Asia to Europe that has become increasingly important for regional connectivity.
Both sides praised the visa-free regime between their countries, saying it has given a clear boost to business exchanges and tourism. They also reaffirmed their support for the United Nations and exchanged views on regional peace, including the ongoing process of normalization between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Wang Yi also met Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during the visit, underscoring the importance both capitals attach to the relationship. Azerbaijan, a host and active participant in the CICA format, has positioned itself as a transit hub between East and West, a role that dovetails with China’s interest in diversified overland trade routes across Eurasia.
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Later, Wang Yi sat down with Lavrov, the two opening their meeting on a light note. Wang Yi joked about their last encounter before the pair turned to substantive matters. The ministers aligned their positions on major international questions, including the conflict in Ukraine and the situation surrounding Iran, reflecting the close coordination that Beijing and Moscow have maintained on global issues.
The meetings took place against the backdrop of the CICA Summit, which brings together Asian states to discuss security, confidence-building and cooperation. Founded on the idea of fostering dialogue across a continent with diverse political systems and security concerns, the forum has increasingly emphasized economic connectivity alongside traditional security themes.
For China, the Baku engagements illustrate a dual-track approach; deepening bilateral partnerships along the routes of its connectivity initiatives while keeping channels of strategic coordination with Russia open. For Azerbaijan, hosting such high-level exchanges reinforces its ambition to act as a bridge between regions and a convener of Asian diplomacy.
