On April 14, Elchin Amirbayov, the President's Representative on Special Assignments of Azerbaijan, stated that Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic have maintained a strategic partnership since 2015, emphasizing that considerable untapped potential remains in bilateral cooperation.

Speaking during a visit to Prague, Amirbayov noted that current cooperation is largely concentrated in the energy sector, while areas such as industry, agriculture, and tourism offer significant opportunities for expansion. He stated that recent high-level contacts, including a meeting between Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, and the Czech prime minister at the World Economic Forum in Davos, could contribute to more active engagement in the near future.

Amirbayov described the Czech Republic as an important partner due to its strong industrial base, technological capabilities, and membership in the European Union and NATO. He emphasized that Azerbaijan, in turn, can serve as a gateway to the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

Highlighting Azerbaijan’s role in European energy security, Amirbayov stated that the Czech Republic imports around one-third of its oil from Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijani natural gas is supplied to 16 countries, including 10 EU member states. He noted that further expansion of gas exports would require additional investment in production and infrastructure, stressing that the Southern Gas Corridor is already operating at full capacity and needs to be expanded in cooperation with the EU.

He emphasized that Azerbaijan remains committed to being a reliable energy partner despite regional instability and fluctuations in global markets, underlining the country’s multi-vector foreign policy based on national interests.

Commenting on regional dynamics, Amirbayov stated that Azerbaijan aims to maintain pragmatic and predictable relations with Russia grounded in mutual respect. He also highlighted improving ties with the United States following the return of Donald Trump, the President of the United States, to office, noting that recent US-mediated contacts have contributed to progress in Azerbaijan–Armenia peace efforts. These include advancements in drafting a peace agreement and discussions on reopening regional transport links between mainland Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan exclave.

Amirbayov added that 2026 could become a decisive year for the South Caucasus, expressing hope that political developments in Armenia will facilitate the signing of a final peace agreement.