Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov’s visit to Kyiv carries significant political weight and confirms the high level of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine.

Azerbaijan and Ukraine have long-standing and deep ties based on friendship, partnership, and mutual interest. Throughout their modern history, both countries have faced many similar challenges.

As a result of the 44-day war, Azerbaijan restored control over its internationally recognized territories, putting an end to years of occupation. Ukraine, meanwhile, continues its struggle to restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity within the borders of 1991.

Throughout this period, Ukraine and Azerbaijan have supported each other on issues related to territorial integrity and sovereignty. At the same time, both countries have had to confront not only direct adversaries, but also states that provided those adversaries with political and other forms of support.

In this context, Bayramov’s visit to Kyiv is particularly significant. The Ukrainian capital remains a dangerous city amid continuing Russian strikes. Ukraine is experiencing shortages of missile defense capabilities, including interceptors needed to counter ballistic missile attacks.

Source: Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry

The very fact that Azerbaijan’s foreign minister chose to visit Kyiv at such a time therefore sends a serious political signal and demonstrates the strength of relations between the two countries.

The substance of the meetings is equally important. Among the issues discussed were cooperation in the defense-industrial sector and prospects for military-technical cooperation between Azerbaijan and Ukraine.

Energy cooperation is another area of particular importance. Ahead of the autumn-winter and heating season, reliable energy supplies and diversification have become especially relevant for Ukraine.

Kyiv is interested in expanding supplies of oil, gas, and other energy products from reliable sources while reducing dependence on routes and suppliers that may prove unstable. Azerbaijan has consistently demonstrated that it can serve as a reliable partner in this regard.

Economic indicators also point to a solid foundation for the further development of the partnership. In 2024, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Ukraine amounted to approximately $459.6 million, representing an increase of nearly 30 percent compared with the previous year. In 2025, bilateral trade grew by a further roughly 11 percent, reaching around $510 million. Azerbaijani exports to Ukraine amounted to approximately $227 million.

For comparison, bilateral trade turnover reached $922 million in 2021, before the start of the full-scale war. The current figures therefore demonstrate not only the resilience of economic ties but also their potential for recovery.

Despite the war, the disruption of logistics chains, and the objective contraction of Ukraine’s economic capacity, trade between the two countries is gradually recovering. This creates a realistic possibility that, after the war ends, bilateral trade could not only return to pre-war levels but eventually exceed them through the development of new areas of cooperation.

The current visit effectively consolidates the already high level of contacts between the two states. It is less about creating an entirely new relationship than about strengthening the foundations of an existing bilateral partnership.

Particularly significant prospects are emerging in the field of military-technical cooperation. Azerbaijan may have a strong interest in the experience accumulated by Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex during the years of full-scale war with Russia.

During this period, Ukraine has gained substantial practical experience, mastered new technologies, and developed solutions shaped by the realities of modern warfare. In the future, these capabilities could become one of the important areas of cooperation with Azerbaijan.

Credit: mvs.gov.ua

For Ukraine, Azerbaijan is of particular importance in the field of energy security. This is relevant not only in the context of the upcoming heating season, but also from a longer-term perspective.

The Ukrainian market remains large and promising despite the existing wartime risks. Azerbaijani businesses have been present in the country for many years, but their role could expand considerably in the future.

Particularly significant opportunities may emerge after the end of the war. Ukraine’s reconstruction will require major investment, the expansion and modernization of energy infrastructure, and the participation of foreign companies in large-scale economic projects.

Azerbaijan is capable not only of maintaining its presence in the Ukrainian market, but also of substantially expanding it, creating a strong basis for business growth and long-term economic cooperation.

Baku and Kyiv are therefore already taking steps designed not only to address immediate challenges but also to prepare for the post-war period.

Military-technical cooperation, the exchange of experience, energy, trade, and investment could become key pillars of a stronger bilateral relationship.

Bayramov’s visit to Kyiv demonstrates that the Azerbaijan-Ukraine partnership is acquiring a more stable and practical foundation, while the decisions being taken today could shape bilateral relations for years to come.