Slovakia and Azerbaijan Expand Energy and Defense Ties

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini conducted an official visit to Azerbaijan from July 13 to 15, 2026, focusing on energy security, defense, and regional reconstruction. During meetings with President Ilham Aliyev in Shusha and Baku, the leaders discussed securing stable energy sources starting in 2027, a strategic priority for Slovakia following its 2022 shift away from Russian natural gas.

The visit emphasized Slovakia's role in the reconstruction of the Garabagh region, where Slovak companies are developing infrastructure including a "smart village" in Bas Garvand and a new secondary school in Aghdam. President Pellegrini also confirmed that the Slovak Embassy in Baku will continue serving as NATO's Contact Point Embassy for Azerbaijan through 2028. Defense cooperation results will be showcased at a Baku exhibition in September.

Economic and diplomatic ties further expanded with the announcement of direct flights between Baku and Bratislava beginning in October 2026. Alongside the presidential visit, a business delegation organized by the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency attended a forum in Baku to establish long-term partnerships across sectors including energy, mining, and mechanical engineering. President Pellegrini also met with Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova to discuss interparliamentary and cultural cooperation.