One of the key priorities in the foreign policy of our independent republic is integration into Europe and development of bilateral ties with European states. In this respect, the Republic of Azerbaijan attaches great importance to relationships with the Kingdom of Belgium, one of the leading states in Europe.

Building mutual relations, every country takes mutual interests into consideration. From this standpoint, favorable geographic and political position, rich natural resources, a significant role in Europe’s energy security make Azerbaijan attractive to Belgium. And Azerbaijan pays huge attention to the development of relations with Belgium, since this country is the bearer of democratic principles, member at 2 important organizations such as EU and NATO, takes special place in all EU-related issues, Brussels is one of the important political centers of the world.

Political relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Belgium were established after Azerbaijan restored its independence in 1991. On December 31 the same year Belgium recognized the independence of Azerbaijan and diplomatic relations were established on June 17, 1992 between the two states.

Speaking of the importance of relations between Azerbaijan and Belgium, national leader Heydar Aliyev said: “I am sure that our cooperation will be developing day by day and cooperative relations between Belgium and Azerbaijan will be changed into friendly and partnership ties.”

Further development of the relationships confirmed these words of the great leader and Azerbaijan acquired an important partner. Belgium’s supporting the peaceful settlement to the Armenian-Azerbaijani, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, not accepting the forced change of internationally recognized frontiers governed by the principles of international law is the result of the friendly relations with this state.

President Ilham Aliyev paid his first visit in 2014 to Belgium on January 14, which can be considered an important step towards the formation of new courses in the relations.