Bilateral Relations between Romania and Azerbaijan as a Bridge for Regional Integration in the Extended Black Sea Area

Abstract

This article explores the bilateral relations between Romania and Azerbaijan, positioning them as a bridge for regional integration in the extended Black Sea area. Since the proclamation of the independence of Azerbaijan, strong diplomatic bilateral ties led to 58 intergovernmental agreements, including a strategic partnership in 2009. All these make Romania the first EU nation to entertain relations at such level with Azerbaijan. Cooperation deepened across trade, energy, and transport, evidenced by rising trade volumes and the 2022 “Agreement on Strategic Partnership in Green Energy Development and Transmission”. Romania supports Azerbaijan within the Euro-Atlantic organizations and offers a model for EU/NATO integration. These relations foster enhanced EU-Turkic world cooperation and crucial connectivity between Europe and Asia.