Nicușor Dan and Ilham Aliyev discussed the Romania-Azerbaijan strategic partnership, energy, and connectivity in Dublin

President Nicusor Dan discussed the strengthening of the strategic partnership between Romania and Azerbaijan, as well as expanding cooperation in energy and connectivity, with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, in Dublin on Thursday.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ninth meeting of the European Political Community, hosted by Ireland. Nicusor Dan said that Azerbaijan is an important partner for Romania and for Europe's energy security.

According to the Romanian president, projects linking the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea create opportunities for cooperation between the two countries and for the entire region. The discussions therefore address both bilateral interests and the diversification of Europe's energy routes and sources.

The Dublin meeting focused primarily on common defence and threats to the security of the continent, particularly those associated with Russia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the event.

A central message of the meeting was the need for Europe to adopt a common position toward Russia and participate directly in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, rather than remain merely a spectator.