The current topic of Modern.az's “Foreign Countries in Azerbaijan” project is dedicated to Italy.
Considered one of Europe's influential countries, a member of the “Group of Seven”, Italy is one of Azerbaijan's main strategic partners.
Currently, Italian President Sergio Mattarella is on a visit to Azerbaijan.
Yesterday, he held a one-on-one and expanded meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Italy recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1992 and opened an embassy in Baku in 1997.
Although relations were initially largely limited to economic interests in the energy sector, over time they have also encompassed cultural, educational, and security issues.
Currently, Luca Di Cianfrancesco holds the ambassadorial post (since May 2024). The embassy is located in the center of Baku.
Azerbaijan's embassy in Rome has been operating since 2003. Currently, Rashad Aslanov holds the ambassadorial post.
In 2024, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited Italy.
Italian Prime Minister Meloni, on the other hand, came to Baku to participate in the COP29 event.
Italians in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijanis in Italy
The Italian community in Azerbaijan is small. Currently, about a hundred Italians live in the country. The Azerbaijani community in Italy, however, is larger; according to 2024 statistics, approximately 1,100 Azerbaijani citizens are registered as official residents in Italy.
Unofficial data, however, indicates that the number of our compatriots living in this country is several times higher.
Currently, several diaspora organizations belonging to Azerbaijanis operate in Italy.
Economic Cooperation
Italy is Azerbaijan's primary trade partner.
According to the State Statistical Committee's 2025 figures, 26 percent of foreign trade turnover falls to Italy. The main export products are oil and gas, while imports are dominated by equipment, machinery, chemical products, and the food industry.
Last year, the trade turnover between the two countries was 11 billion 390 million dollars. The largest trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Italy was recorded in 2022, amounting to 18 billion 122 million dollars.
Italy's largest companies are actively involved in Azerbaijan.
“Snam”, as a shareholder of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), delivers Azerbaijani gas to Europe. “Saipem”, on the other hand, provides engineering and construction services for offshore operations in the Caspian Sea with bp.
“Ansaldo Energia” supplied the turbines for the “8 November” Thermal Power Plant commissioned in Mingachevir.
“Danieli” participates in the establishment of a large metallurgy cluster in Sumgayit.
“Leonardo” delivered AW139 and AW189 type helicopters to Azerbaijan.
SOCAR signed an agreement in 2025 for the acquisition of “Italiana Petroli” (IP), one of Italy's largest fuel companies.
This step will further strengthen Azerbaijan's position in the European market.
Education, Culture
The most important educational project between Azerbaijan and Italy is the Italy-Azerbaijan University.
This higher education institution, established on the basis of ADA University, collaborates with leading Italian universities such as Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, Sapienza, Bologna, and Luiss. Joint programs in engineering, agrarian, and social sciences are implemented here. The opening of the university building is planned for today.
Italian universities are considered among the most popular higher education institutions for Azerbaijanis. Universities in this country have also been included in the state program for studying abroad. According to last year's results, 10 students will study at Italian universities at state expense.
The Italian embassy regularly organizes film festivals, architectural exhibitions, and cultural events in Baku.
Military Cooperation
There is certain cooperation in the military field. Representatives of the Italian Navy and Air Force visited Azerbaijan this year. Helicopters from Italy's “Leonardo” company are used in civil defense, search and rescue, and medical services. The “C-27J Spartan” military transport aircraft produced by the company was adopted into service last year.
Thus, Azerbaijan-Italy relations have already surpassed the traditional diplomatic framework, and a strategic partnership model has been established between the two countries.
Although energy cooperation plays a significant role at the foundation of this partnership, steps taken in the fields of education, culture, science, and innovation allow relations to reach new horizons.
Azerbaijan plays a significant role in the energy security of Europe, especially Italy. Azerbaijani gas originating from the South Caucasus extends to Brindisi via the Trans-Adriatic gas pipeline, and this line is a strategic artery for both Azerbaijan and Europe. Economic figures also confirm this reality; Italy has been Azerbaijan's main trade partner for years. A large portion of oil and gas exports goes precisely to this country.
At the same time, Italian companies are implementing large projects in Azerbaijan. This indicates that relations are based on mutual interests, not one-sided. The Italy-Azerbaijan University, established on the basis of ADA University, is a symbolic bridge for strengthening future ties between the two nations.ə
For Azerbaijan, Italy is also an important partner in the European Union. Rome plays a bridging role in Baku's relations with Europe, supporting the strengthening of Azerbaijan's position on various international platforms. In today's reality, Azerbaijan is a strategic guarantor for Italy's energy security, and Italy is a reliable partner for Azerbaijan's access to European markets.
The paths of the two countries intersect in both economics and the soft power of culture.
Modern Analysis and Research Group
