Azerbaijan, Moldova deepen partnership: messages of cooperation, mutual trust conveyed at reception in Chisinau

Diplomats accredited in Chisinau, Moldovan officials and members of the Azerbaijani community of Moldova have attended a reception organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Moldova on the occasion of Azerbaijan’s Independence Day, annually marked on May 28. Moldova was represented at the event by Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, co-chair of the Moldovan-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation.

 



The event was opened by Ambassador Ulvi Bakhshaliyev, who spoke about Azerbaijan’s historical path, the evolution of Moldovan-Azerbaijani relations and his country’s growing role on the international stage, including through the recent hosting of the UN World Urban Forum.

The ambassador thanked Moldova’s government and representatives of local administrations for participating in the international event hosted by Azerbaijan and highlighted the positive dynamics of the bilateral relations between Chisinau and Baku.

“I would like to note with satisfaction that, over the years, the relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova have developed in an upward direction. Our relations have a deep history. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on May 29, 1992, serious measures have been taken to further develop them, and at present the active political dialogue between our heads of state ensures a high dynamic of cooperation across the entire spectrum of relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova,” underlined Ulvi Bakhshaliyev.





Ulvi Bakhshaliyev appreciated the support of the Moldovan authorities for the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, stressing that Baku stayed committed to normalizing the relations between the two states.

“Both Armenia and Azerbaijan are already enjoying the practical benefits of peace. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Moldova for its support for the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is actively engaged in normalizing the relations with Armenia, while remaining faithful to the fundamental principles of international law, in particular the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of internationally recognized borders,” the ambassador said.

In his speech, the Azerbaijani ambassador reviewed the most important bilateral contacts of the past year, including meetings between President Maia Sandu and the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, as well as the official visit to Baku by Moldova’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popsoi.





The diplomat also emphasized the economic cooperation between the two states, noting collaborations in the energy sector and Moldova’s participation in the ministerial meetings on the Southern Gas Corridor and green energy, held in Baku.

“The economic cooperation between our countries is also developing successfully, and there is considerable potential for expansion. In the second half of this year, together with our Moldovan colleagues, we intend to organize in Chisinau the seventh meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation. Energy Minister of Moldova, H.E. Mr. Dorin Junghietu visited our country in March of this year, to take part in the 12th Ministerial Meeting of the Advisory Council of the Southern Gas Corridor and the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Advisory Council on Green Energy, both held in Baku. During the meetings, the two countries discussed issues related to economic cooperation, including in the fields of energy, transport logistics, agriculture and other areas,” the ambassador stated.

Ulvi Bakhshaliyev also spoke about the development of cultural relations between the two countries, specifying artistic exchanges and cultural events organized in Chisinau. “These events not only enrich the cultural life of Chisinau, but also allow Moldovans to get to know better the rich culture of the Azerbaijani people,” the diplomat said.





The ambassador addressed a special message to the Azerbaijani community of Moldova, praising its involvement in the country’s social and economic life.

“I would like to take this opportunity, in order to extend a warm welcome to the members of the Azerbaijani Diaspora in Moldova who are present at today’s official reception. Our compatriots are active in all spheres of social, economic and political life in this beautiful country and are achieving success in various fields, including sports,” the ambassador said.

At the reception organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Moldova on the occasion of Azerbaijan’s Independence Day, Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea said that the relations between Chisinau and Baku had long surpassed the framework of a formal dialogue and had become a pragmatic partnership, based on trust and concrete results. According to Vladimir Bolea, beyond agreements and official meetings, the element that gives substance to the relationship between Moldova and Azerbaijan is mutual trust.

“After the relaunch of the Commission’s activity in 2022, the bilateral cooperation has gained a new dynamic. Important institutional contacts have been strengthened, new directions of economic and investment cooperation have been opened and exchanges between our business communities have become more substantial and more targeted. But beyond figures, protocols and meetings, there is one element that gives real value to these relations – trust. Trust that we can build important projects together, trust that we can overcome regional challenges through cooperation, trust that relations between states become strong when they are supported by people, by business communities, by institutions and by genuine human relationships,” Vladimir Bolea said.





Vladimir Bolea also noted the importance of regional partnerships in the current international context, marked by economic, energy and geopolitical challenges.

“Moldova sees Azerbaijan as an important and respected partner in the region. And now, when the world is going through periods of economic uncertainty, energy challenges and geopolitical tensions, the relations based on trust and sincere cooperation become essential. That is why, Moldova wants to continue deepening its relations with Azerbaijan and to develop new platforms of collaboration between our entrepreneurial institutions and our citizens. The friendship between Moldova and the Azerbaijan has a solid foundation and our responsibility is to continue building on this foundation with maturity, respect and a vision for the future. Thank you, and I extend to Azerbaijan the sincerest wishes for prosperity, stability and success. Long live and prosper the peoples of both countries!” Vladimir Bolea said.





The reception culminated with an artistic programme performed by soloist Alexei Botnarciuc of the Maria Biesu National Opera and Ballet Theatre, who interpreted two pieces by the famous Azerbaijani artist Muslim Magomayev.





On May 28, 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was founded, considered the first democratic and secular state in the Muslim East. The date is marked annually as a symbol of Azerbaijani independence and national identity. Although the republic existed for only 23 months, until 1920, its founding remains a defining moment in the history of modern Azerbaijan.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan restored its independence in 1991, resuming the statehood trajectory begun in 1918. Azerbaijani officials consider that the return to national symbols and the reaffirmation of independence marked the beginning of a new historical stage for the country.