China and Azerbaijan on Wednesday issued a joint statement on the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries.
In the document, the two sides agreed that since the establishment of their diplomatic ties on April 2, 1992, cooperation between the two sides in various fields has yielded fruitful results.
Against the backdrop of the current profound and complex evolution of the international and regional situation, both sides agreed to expand cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, cultural and other fields to strengthen international collaboration, jointly safeguard the common interests of the two countries and jointly promote peace, stability and development in the region and the world, the statement read.
According to the joint statement, the two sides agreed to establish a strategic partnership based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, trust and support, as well as win-win cooperation.
The two countries reiterated that they support each other on issues concerning national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and emphasized the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.
The two sides stressed that terrorism, separatism and extremism pose a serious threat to the international community and that joint efforts are needed to prevent and counter these challenges.
In the joint statement, Azerbaijan said it supports the China-proposed Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative and is willing to actively participate in cooperation under these initiatives, accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and jointly safeguard international and regional security and stability, the statement said.
Azerbaijan has decided to implement a one-year unilateral visa-free policy for Chinese nationals, said the joint statement.
The decision aims to develop tourism in Azerbaijan and further expand its economic, people-to-people and cultural ties with China, it said.