Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev paid a four-day visit to China from December 8 to 11 on the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit was widely covered by Azerbaijani, Chinese and foreign media. Following the visit, Novruz Mammadov, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, briefed local media on the results of the visit of President Ilham Aliyev. The official press agency of the People's Republic of China, Xinhua, posted an article citing Novruz Mammadov headlined "Ilham Aliyev's visit to China is historic". The article quotes Novruz Mammadov as saying that "the visit of President Ilham Aliyev to China is historic in terms of its status, form and content". According to Mammadov, a “state” status of President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to China is indicative of the special relationship between the two countries.

“China and Azerbaijan provide stable and safe conditions for the successful and sustainable development. We intend to protect mutual interests and fruitful cooperation. Therefore, the development of cooperation in all spheres, in connection with the demonstration of this determination and will is very important. There is long term connection between Azerbaijan and China.”

According to Novruz Mammadov, the President's visit to China is of great significance: "During the visit, several meetings, negotiations were held and 10 documents were signed. Almost in all spheres, cooperation issues were discussed. The People's Republic of China accords special importance to cooperation with Azerbaijan.”