20-21 July 2026, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev paid an official visit to Germany. In the framework of the visit, he was welcomed by his counterpart, Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Villa Borsig and subsequently by the Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz.
Background to the exchanges with the German counterparts of President Aliyev was focused on bilateral relations, the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and current regional and international issues. For instance, Federal President Steinmeier acknowledged the progress made in the peace and normalisation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan and encouraged further steps towards a peace agreement.
Bilateral cooperation between Germany and Azerbaijan was also a topic of the conversation. Overall, the German dignitaries highlighted Azerbaijan’s importance as a key partner in the South Caucasus and in matters of energy and the economy.
Following a lengthy preparatory period, the establishment of the German-Azerbaijani Business Council (GABC) was formally sealed at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin in the presence of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. Both leaders view the new body as a key driver for German-Azerbaijani economic cooperation and the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Through this new body, the German Eastern Business Association, the German-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce (AHK Azerbaijan), and the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (AZPROMO) are creating the two countries’ most important bilateral business platform for dialogue with policymakers. The aim is to further deepen bilateral economic relations, foster investment and joint projects, and expand dialogue on future-oriented topics and sustainable economic development.
In the first five months of 2026, German trade with Azerbaijan rose by 30% year-on-year to €835 million, with German exports increasing by 18% and imports by 38%. Germany sources crude oil—and, since January 2026, natural gas—from the South Caucasus nation.
For further information
Presidency of the Federal Republic of Germany: https://www.bundespraesident.de/SharedDocs/Berichte/DE/Frank-Walter-Steinmeier/2026/07/260721-StP-AZE-Alijew.html
Presidency of the Republic of Azerbaijan: https://president.az/en/articles/view/73031
