Ukraine and Azerbaijan Sign Six Agreements to Launch Defense Co-production

Following historic talks in Baku, President Zelensky and President Aliyev announced a major expansion of military-technical cooperation and plans to boost bilateral trade beyond $500 million. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied President Volodymyr Zelensky and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on April 25. (Photo by Office of the President of Azerbaijan) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukraine and Azerbaijan signed six bilateral documents on Saturday, April 25, focusing on defense cooperation and joint industrial production during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s first visit to Baku since the start of the full-scale invasion. Following high-level negotiations with President Ilham Aliyev, Zelensky emphasized that security and the defense-industrial complex are now the top priorities for the partnership, Ukrinfrom reported. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “Ukraine has demonstrated resilience during this war and is sharing its experience today,” Zelensky said, confirming that the two nations will develop “co-production” initiatives to strengthen regional security. President Aliyev echoed this sentiment, noting “broad prospects” for military-technical cooperation and the joint development of military industries. The leaders also committed to expanding economic ties, with Aliyev targeting an increase in bilateral trade, which currently exceeds $500 million. Energy remains a cornerstone of the relationship, with Aliyev highlighting the long-standing role of the Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR in the Ukrainian market and potential new investment projects. “We also discussed peace efforts. It is very important for Ukraine that Russia find the strength to end this unjust war. We certainly highly value the role of our partners in mediating this process. We told the President of Azerbaijan that we are ready for trilateral talks. We had such talks in Turkey, and we had such talks with our American partners in Switzerland,” Zelensky said. Other Topics of Interest Zelensky Visits Azerbaijan for Security, Energy Talks The president’s first South Caucasus visit since 2022 comes as Baku and Moscow move to ease tensions following the 2024 AZAL plane downing. This diplomatic milestone builds on a decade of strategic partnership. Aliyev noted that since 2019, the two presidents have met seven times, reflecting the “dynamic” nature of a relationship based on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Zelensky expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s consistent support of Ukraine’s borders , particularly during the ongoing war. The visit marks a definitive shift in the regional landscape. While Baku and Moscow settled compensation issues earlier this month regarding the 2024 downing of an Azerbaijani passenger plane by Russian air defenses , Aliyev has maintained a visible diplomatic distance from the Kremlin. By securing new defense and energy agreements with Kyiv , Azerbaijan is further solidifying its role as a key strategic partner for Ukraine in the South Caucasus. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.