During a visit to Azerbaijan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his readiness to host trilateral talks with the US and Russia. He announced this on April 25 following a meeting with President Ilham Aliyev in Gabala—his first since 2019.
During a joint press conference with Aliyev, Zelenskyy emphasized: "We are ready for trilateral talks. We had such talks in Turkey and with our American partners in Switzerland. Of course, we are ready for upcoming talks in Azerbaijan if Russia is ready for diplomacy."
The visit featured a vibrant bilateral agenda. Following the talks, Ukraine and Azerbaijan signed six agreements, specifically on security and trade. The parties also discussed expanding cooperation in energy and agriculture. The talks were held both face-to-face and with delegations.
The leaders of the two countries paid special attention to cooperation in the defense sector. During the meeting in Gabala, they discussed prospects for cooperation in the military-industrial complex, including the joint production and development of counter-drone systems, as well as the exchange of experience in this area.
"We exchanged views on military-technical cooperation, and here too, there are very promising prospects. Both Azerbaijan and Ukraine are developing their military-industrial complexes, and there are excellent opportunities for joint production, and for joint industrial production in general," Aliyev told reporters.
Summing up the visit, Zelenskyy wrote on his official Instagram account: "This is my first visit to Azerbaijan and our seventh meeting in more than four years. Our relations are at a very high level, and it's important that these relations are based on respect. I thank President Ilham Aliyev for this visit, for our conversation, and, most importantly, for our agreements. Today, Ukraine and Azerbaijan signed six documents in various fields."
He specifically emphasized the importance of defense cooperation: "The defense-industrial complex is key. We will develop and deepen our cooperation. We also discussed continuing energy initiatives and launching new ones."
The Ukrainian President also thanked Baku for its support and assistance.
"I am grateful to Azerbaijan for the 11 energy assistance packages, including during the last difficult winter. Particular attention goes to Ukraine's humanitarian support and our efforts to restore peace. I thank Azerbaijan for its support of our sovereignty and territorial integrity. I am grateful for its readiness for deep cooperation, particularly in defense. We have taken a very serious step, and new documents will soon be signed," the head of state concluded his Instagram post on this optimistic note.
