(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Ulviyya Shahin
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In recent years, Azerbaijan and Serbia have significantly
improved their bilateral relations, elevating them to a new level
of partnership. This development has been characterized by active
efforts to strengthen both economic and Political ties, leading to
mutually beneficial cooperation between the two nations.
The strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Serbia,
officially recognized in 2013, is grounded in stable, friendly ties
based on mutual respect, understanding, and support. This
relationship is notably robust on a political level, with both
countries sharing similar foreign policy principles and positions.
Serbia and Azerbaijan both pursue independent, neutral foreign
policies, with a strong emphasis on preserving territorial
integrity and sovereignty. This shared stance is reflected in
Azerbaijan's unwavering support for Serbia's position on Kosovo, a
critical aspect of Serbia's national interest and foreign
policy.
Despite the strong political relationship, economic cooperation
between Azerbaijan and Serbia has room for growth. Both nations
recognize this and are working towards enhancing their economic
interactions. The upcoming session of the joint Intergovernmental
Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation in Baku is expected
to focus on key areas such as energy, transport, construction,
trade, and defense. One of the priorities is establishing a direct
flight between Belgrade and Baku to facilitate greater interaction
across various sectors.
Currently, there is limited investment between the two
countries. Azerbaijan offers investment opportunities within its
Free Economic Zones and projects in liberated territories, while
Serbia presents possibilities in agriculture, construction, modern
technologies, and defense. Azerbaijani construction company
AzVirt's involvement in Serbian road infrastructure projects,
amounting to one billion USD, exemplifies the potential for
economic collaboration. Conversely, Serbian companies are keen to
participate in the reconstruction of Azerbaijani liberated lands,
although more information on planned projects and application
processes is needed to facilitate this engagement.
Energy security is a significant aspect of the Azerbaijan-Serbia
partnership. Serbia's agreement with SOCAR for the import of
Azerbaijani gas represents a critical diversification of its energy
supply. This agreement, which currently allows for the import of
400 million cubic meters of gas per year with potential increases,
underscores the importance of Azerbaijani energy resources in
Serbia's national security strategy. Additionally, there are
discussions about LNG cooperation, SOCAR's participation in
constructing a gas-fired power plant, and Azerbaijani investment in
new gas storage infrastructure in Serbia.
Cultural and educational exchanges between Azerbaijan and Serbia
further strengthen their bilateral relationship. Both countries
emphasize traditional family values, tolerance, and
multiculturalism, which provide a strong foundation for cultural
cooperation. Notable initiatives include the sister city
relationship between Shusha and Novi Pazar and the establishment of
language centers in each country. Serbia's "World in Serbia"
scholarship program also facilitates educational exchanges,
providing opportunities for Azerbaijani students to study in
Serbia.
Despite their commitment to military neutrality, both Azerbaijan
and Serbia recognize the importance of a strong defense capability
in the face of global security challenges. Their defense
cooperation includes trade in defense industry products, joint
production, and technology transfer. The establishment of Defense
Attache Offices in Belgrade and Baku and high-level visits between
defense officials highlight the active and growing
military-technical cooperation between the two countries.
The Azerbaijan-Serbia partnership is a multifaceted relationship
that extends beyond political alignment to include significant
economic, cultural, educational, and defense cooperation. While
there is room for growth in economic interactions and investments,
the solid political foundation and mutual respect between the two
nations provide a promising basis for continued and expanded
cooperation. As both countries navigate the complexities of
international relations and security, their partnership serves as a
model of mutually beneficial collaboration grounded in shared
values and interests.
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