Azerbaijani president arrives in Berlin for official welcome

An official welcome ceremony in Berlin marked the visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz greeting him and both leaders reviewing the guard of honor as national anthems were played. A subsequent one-on-one meeting between Aliyev and Merz focused on deepening bilateral ties, regional security, and economic cooperation, underscoring Germany as a key partner for Azerbaijan in energy, trade, and politics. The formal welcomes and introductions continued as the two leaders reiterated ongoing high-level diplomacy between Baku and Berlin. In a later expanded discussion, Aliyev and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier addressed gas supplies, regional neutrality policies, and steps toward normalization of relations with European institutions. The exchanges also highlighted efforts to promote peace and cooperation in the region, with statements from senior officials reflecting a shared commitment to constructive dialogue. Collectively, the meetings illustrate sustained momentum in Azerbaijani-German relations across security, energy, and governance domains.