AZERBAIJAN and CHINA relations FUAD SULEYMANOV REVAN ABDURAHMANLI SAL İ M ARSLAN

Brief historical information The People's Republic of China recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 27, The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on April 2, The Embassy of the People's Republic of China to Azerbaijan was opened on August, 1992 and first ambassador was appointed on December 1, The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the People's Republic of China was opened on September 3, The ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the People's Republic of China is Mr. Latif Gandilov.

2012 is dedicated to the anniversary of China-Azerbaijani diplomatic relations. Long-term and stable China-Azerbaijani relations serves the common aspirations of the peoples of the two countries. In the history of China and Azerbaijan were important nodes on the ancient Silk Road, and now they are countries with growing economies, they have a strong political base, deep historical connection, strong economic complementarity. China attaches great importance to developing long-term and stable China-Azerbaijani relations of friendly cooperation, said Azerbaijan loyal friend and an honest partner.

CHINA AZERBAIJAN

CHINA and AZERBAIJAN Trade and Economic China-Azerbaijani trade and economic cooperation has come a long way. In 1992, the volume of trade amounted to only $ 1.5 million. With 20 years of continuous and cooperative efforts between the two countries, China-Azerbaijani trade and economic cooperation achieved notable successes in the following five aspects:

First, continuously strengthened the legal framework of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. The two sides have already signed government contracts relating to such areas as trade, economy, investments, taxes, customs and others.

Second, continuously improved cooperation mechanism. In 1999, the two sides established a Sino- Azerbaijani Committee of trade and economic cooperation, has so far held four meetings. In July 2011, under the Committee, China and Azerbaijan have established a working group on trade and economic cooperation "Xinjiang" Azerbaijan and successfully held the first session.

Third, the rapid increases in the volume of trade and economic turnover. In 2011, the trade volume between China and Azerbaijan reached $ billion, which is 16.5% more than in 2010 and 700 times greater than the volume at the beginning of the establishment of diplomatic relations. China has become an important trading partner and the fifth largest source country for imports to Azerbaijan.

Fourthly, continuously improving the structure of products continuously increasing number of products with high scientific and technological capacity and with high added value. Except household goods, such as textiles, clothing, footwear and other China exports to Azerbaijan and even products such as large equipment, electronic products, automobiles and spare parts, construction materials. China imports from Azerbaijan crude oil, jet fuel, chemical feedstocks.

Fifth, gradually deepened mutual investment and economic and technological cooperation. Two sides to deploy a wide cooperation in infrastructure construction, resources, metallurgy, communications, electricity, building materials, auto parts and other fields.

Future Trends Political relations between China and Azerbaijan are expected to grow on a bilateral level rather than within the framework of any regional organization, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as Azerbaijan has expressed its disinterest in membership due to the dominant role of Russia in this organization. As for China, it has not expressed any interest in joining the GUAM or the Black Sea Economic Cooperation organization, where Azerbaijan feels more comfortable. With the construction of the new railroad, both bilateral trade and political relations between Azerbaijan and China are likely to grow significantly, and China’s presence in the Caucasus region will solidify.

This, in turn, could lead to extensive cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in the military sphere, as Azerbaijan’s increasing oil revenues allows its leadership to invest in developing its national military capacity. Azerbaijan’s military budget has increased from US$150 million in 2003 to nearly US$1 billion in This rapid increase is indicative of the determination of the Azerbaijani leadership to regain the Nagorno- Karabakh territories at any cost, be it through diplomatic negotiations or resumed military activities.

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