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Ukrainian, Azerbaijani ministers meet in Uzhhorod for energy talks
Ukraine’s Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal met his Azerbaijani counterpart, Parviz Shahbazov, in Uzhhorod on 5 November as an Azerbaijani government and business delegation arrived for talks. The discussions are intended to strengthen energy cooperation and broader economic ties, building on Azerbaijan’s support for Ukraine during the war.
The two sides plan to convene their intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, followed by talks with business representatives. Azerbaijan has provided humanitarian and economic aid and supported Ukraine’s energy reconstruction; during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s April visit, the countries signed six cooperation agreements. Baku also maintains close ties with Moscow, although relations with Russia worsened after Russian air defences brought down an Azerbaijani airliner in December 2024, killing 38 people.
In short
- Ukraine and Azerbaijan held energy talks in Uzhhorod.
- Officials and businesses are meeting on economic cooperation.
- Their six agreements followed Zelensky’s April visit.
Explained simply
Ukraine’s energy system has been damaged during Russia’s full-scale invasion, creating a need to repair infrastructure and secure reliable supplies. Energy cooperation can include rebuilding facilities, sharing expertise and developing trade.
Denys Shmyhal is Ukraine’s energy minister, and Parviz Shahbazov holds the same role in Azerbaijan. The two governments also use an intergovernmental commission to discuss economic cooperation, with businesses involved in some of those discussions.
Azerbaijan has provided Ukraine with humanitarian and economic aid and backed energy reconstruction. It also has longstanding ties with Russia, so its relations with both countries form part of the wider context for cooperation.
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