Azerbaijan, Italy sign joint declaration on strategic cooperation

Azerbaijan and Italy have signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Cooperation in the Field of Critical Raw Materials. The document was signed at the end of an event titled "Italy-Azerbaijan: Strengthening Economic and Industrial Cooperation", held under the auspices of the Confederation of Italian Industry (Confindustria). Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso attended, along with officials and business representatives from both countries.

Tajani emphasized the successful development of the strategic partnership and said relations based on mutual trust provide a favorable foundation for economic cooperation. Jabbarov outlined Azerbaijan's investment climate, opportunities in the Alat Free Economic Zone and industrial parks, and its transport and logistics infrastructure. Participants noted that economic diversification and the expansion of non-oil and gas exports are key priorities. Artificial intelligence, data centers and a planned data center project in the Alat Free Economic Zone were also discussed.

The declaration aims to expand and diversify industrial partnerships by combining Azerbaijan's resource potential with Italy's technological expertise. It covers industrial and technological development, investment, regional supply chains and logistics, and institutional dialogue on relevant policies. The partnership seeks to expand processing capabilities, improve resource efficiency and promote higher value-added goods.