Prime Minister Fico expressed satisfaction with his visit, appreciating the warm hospitality and fruitful discussions with President Ilham Aliyev. He highlighted their shared views on sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, praising President Aliyev’s pragmatic and constructive approach in both domestic and foreign policies. Fico extended an invitation to President Aliyev to visit Slovakia, promising the same level of hospitality and friendship.
Economic Cooperation
Acknowledging the modest trade volume between the two countries, which currently stands at just over 70 million euros, Fico emphasized the potential for growth. This trade is primarily driven by Slovakia’s automotive industry, which accounts for approximately 75-80% of the trade balance favoring Slovakia. Both leaders agreed to intensify efforts in three critical sectors to enhance bilateral trade, recognizing the importance of diversifying and increasing mutual economic engagements.
Territorial Integrity and Reconstruction
Fico commended Azerbaijan on restoring its territorial integrity and expressed Slovakia’s keen interest in participating in the reconstruction of Karabakh. He highlighted ongoing projects like the “Smart Village” and discussed potential Slovak involvement in building a small airport, demonstrating Slovakia’s commitment to supporting Azerbaijan’s reconstruction efforts.
Military and Defense Industry Collaboration
A focal point of the discussions was potential military and defense projects, with an emphasis on combining Slovak technology with Azerbaijani financing. This collaboration aims to bolster both countries’ defense capabilities, with the potential for the produced weapons to be exported or retained within Azerbaijan. This partnership reflects the changing dynamics due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the need for increased production and supply of military equipment.
Energy Cooperation and European Relations
Prime Minister Fico discussed strategic energy cooperation, particularly the potential for importing Azerbaijani natural gas into Slovakia. This move aims to diversify Slovakia’s energy sources and reduce dependency on traditional suppliers like Russia and Ukraine. Fico hinted at an ambitious plan to import 20 billion cubic meters of gas per year, which would significantly contribute to the energy diversification in Europe.
In addition to energy, Fico also touched upon the internal dynamics within the European Union, expressing concerns over its current direction and the overemphasis on political correctness at the expense of substantial socio-economic issues.
Prime Minister Fico’s visit to Azerbaijan marks a pivotal moment in Slovakia-Azerbaijan relations, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation across various sectors. His discussion with President Aliyev not only reinforced the existing ties but also opened new avenues for collaboration, promising a future of mutual benefits and strategic partnerships.
