On September 18, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, received Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement.

During the meeting, Kos congratulated President Aliyev on progress in normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and advancing the peace agenda, emphasizing that the European Union would continue supporting efforts to ensure lasting peace in the South Caucasus and Azerbaijan's humanitarian demining activities. She also highlighted successful energy cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan and noted significant prospects for expanding transport collaboration.

President Aliyev recalled his May meeting in Tirana with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He expressed gratitude for the congratulations and reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to advancing the peace agenda, emphasizing opportunities for regional transport connectivity and the development of road and railway infrastructure, particularly in the liberated territories and in Zangilan. On energy cooperation, Aliyev highlighted that Azerbaijani gas is exported to 10 European countries, including eight EU member states, and that its export geography continues to expand. He also noted an increase in cargo volumes transported from Central Asia via the Middle Corridor.

Kos described her visit as "productive and open," highlighting discussions on connectivity and congratulating President Aliyev on the peace agreement signed in Washington. EC Spokesperson Guillaume Mercier noted that her visit demonstrates the EU’s support for the peace process and regional normalization, aiming to strengthen ties with South Caucasus countries and enhance cooperation under the EU’s connectivity agenda, including the Black Sea Strategy.

The discussions also covered a draft financing agreement between Azerbaijan and the European Commission to support mine clearance, water resource management, and sustainable transport development. Talks with Mikayil Jabbarov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy, addressed expanding economic relations, highlighting the EU as one of Azerbaijan’s main trade partners, and explored investment opportunities in energy, the digital economy, transport, and the private sector under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative. Following the meeting with Minister Jabbarov, Kos announced on X that Azerbaijan and the EU will establish a high-level economic working group to strengthen their partnership, expand markets, trade, and investments, and capitalize on opportunities created by regional peace.