Working visit of Ilham Aliyev to Italy

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, arrived in Rome on a working visit at the invitation of the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on September 4.

A guard of honor was lined up at the Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino airport in Rome in honor of the head of state. President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva were welcomed by Italian officials.

The visit underscored the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Italy, focusing on energy, trade, and cultural cooperation.

During the visit, President Aliyev met with President Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace. Both leaders reaffirmed the strength of their bilateral relationship, with a special emphasis on energy cooperation, particularly the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which plays a crucial role in Italy's and the EU's energy security. They also discussed the Italy-Azerbaijan University, a joint initiative aimed at fostering stronger cultural ties and future cooperation.

On the same day, President Aliyev also held discussions with the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. They explored opportunities to further enhance economic cooperation and trade, as well as deepen collaboration in the humanitarian sector.

On September 5, 2024, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, accompanied by First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, arrived in Milan from Rome. At Milan Malpensa Airport, the President and First Lady were welcomed by Italian officials, marking the continuation of their diplomatic visit to Italy.

The next day, on September 6, President Aliyev delivered a keynote speech at the prestigious International Cernobbio Forum. The session, titled “Azerbaijan's Role in the New Geopolitical Environment,” addressed Azerbaijan's strategic importance in the shifting global landscape.

The visit to Italy concluded on September 6 with both sides committing to further strengthen their strategic ties, and President Aliyev extended invitations to both President Mattarella and Prime Minister Meloni to visit Azerbaijan in the near future.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva were seen off by Italian officials at Milan Malpensa Airport.