Ilham Aliyev Meets Global Investment Leaders in Baku

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan conducted a series of diplomatic and financial meetings on September 25 to strengthen international partnerships. In Baku, Aliyev met with Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), to expand investment cooperation following a memorandum of intent signed in Davos in January between GIP, BlackRock, and the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ). The partnership has already produced joint investments in Italy's high-speed rail operator, Italo, and London's Gatwick Airport, with current discussions focusing on Azerbaijan's transport and digital infrastructure.

Aliyev also met with George Walker, Chairman and CEO of Neuberger Berman, to review a partnership with SOFAZ that began in 2016. During the meeting, Aliyev stated that the signing of the Charter on Strategic Partnership between Azerbaijan and the United States in February 2026 has opened a new chapter in bilateral relations. The two leaders discussed emerging global market opportunities and private equity and debt cooperation.

Additionally, Aliyev held a phone call with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. The leaders exchanged views on the development of good-neighborly relations and the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Georgia, while Aliyev offered birthday congratulations to the Prime Minister.