On September 8, 2025, the usually quiet corridors of Uruguay’s government buildings buzzed with the energy of international diplomacy. Elnur Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s First Deputy Minister of Economy, arrived in Montevideo for a tightly packed schedule of meetings, signaling a renewed push to deepen ties between Azerbaijan and Uruguay. The visit, widely covered by AZERTAC, Caliber.Az, and Azernews, marked a significant milestone in the evolving relationship between these two geographically distant, yet increasingly interconnected nations.
Aliyev’s first stop was with Uruguay’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Valeria Csukasi. During their discussion, Aliyev painted a picture of Azerbaijan’s robust and growing economy, emphasizing the strides his country has made to foster a more attractive investment climate. “There are broad opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, green technologies, infrastructure, transportation, and industry,” he noted, according to AZERTAC. The Deputy Minister highlighted that, to date, Azerbaijan and Uruguay have signed six agreements spanning economy, customs, culture, and more—evidence, he said, of the “significant potential to expand economic and trade relations.”
Both officials, as reported by Caliber.Az, agreed that these agreements were just the beginning. They underscored the importance of mutual visits and direct dialogue in strengthening the bilateral relationship. “The role of mutual visits and high-level meetings is crucial in advancing our cooperation,” Aliyev stressed, a sentiment echoed by Csukasi as the two looked toward a future of increased collaboration.
Aliyev’s agenda then took him to the office of Fernanda Cardona, Uruguay’s Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mining. Here, the conversation shifted to the practicalities of investment and the specific sectors ripe for partnership. Aliyev pointed out the Alat Free Economic Zone in Azerbaijan as a prime opportunity for Uruguayan businesses seeking to expand their reach. “The Alat Free Economic Zone offers extensive prospects for foreign investors, including Uruguayan stakeholders,” he said, as cited by AZERTAC. This special economic zone, strategically located and designed to attract international capital, was described as offering “broad advantages for foreign investors,” according to Caliber.Az.
But the talks didn’t stop at investment incentives. Aliyev and Cardona delved into the specifics of renewable energy and green technology—a sector where both countries see untapped potential. “There are broad opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, green technologies, infrastructure, transportation, and industry,” Aliyev reiterated, according to Azernews. The Azerbaijani delegation made it clear that their country is eager to welcome Uruguayan companies into these emerging markets, especially as Azerbaijan seeks to diversify its economy and embrace more sustainable development models.
The visit’s energy focus continued as Aliyev met with Cecilia San Román, President of Uruguay’s National Administration of Fuels, Alcohol, and Portland Cement (ANCAP). Here, the discussion became even more technical, centering on the prospects for cooperation between ANCAP and Azerbaijan’s state oil company, SOCAR. According to Caliber.Az, both sides underlined the potential for joint projects, expertise exchange, and collaboration in green energy and modern technologies. The talks were described as forward-looking, with an emphasis on “the implementation of joint projects, particularly in green energy and modern technologies,” as AZERTAC reported.
What’s driving this sudden surge in diplomatic activity? For starters, both Azerbaijan and Uruguay are seeking to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global economy. Azerbaijan, with its wealth of natural resources and strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is eager to attract new investment and diversify its economy beyond oil and gas. Uruguay, meanwhile, has built a reputation as one of South America’s most stable and innovative economies, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.
The six agreements already in place between the two countries—covering everything from customs to culture—provide a solid foundation. Yet, as all sides acknowledged, there remains “untapped potential for expanding trade and economic ties,” as Azernews put it. The emphasis on green energy and technology is particularly timely, with both nations facing mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions and transition to more sustainable growth models.
It’s not just about big-picture policy, either. The meetings in Montevideo highlighted the importance of practical, on-the-ground collaboration. The Alat Free Economic Zone, for example, is more than just a line on a map; it’s a concrete opportunity for Uruguayan and other foreign companies to establish a foothold in the Caucasus region. As Aliyev told his Uruguayan counterparts, “The Alat Free Economic Zone offers attractive conditions for foreign investors including Uruguayan businesses seeking regional expansion,” according to Azernews.
Meanwhile, the prospect of joint projects between ANCAP and SOCAR could see Uruguayan expertise in renewable energy paired with Azerbaijani resources and infrastructure, creating a win-win scenario for both countries. The discussions around knowledge exchange and the adoption of modern energy technologies reflect a broader trend in international relations, where countries are increasingly looking to pool their strengths to tackle shared challenges.
Throughout his visit, Aliyev repeatedly stressed the value of face-to-face meetings and ongoing dialogue. “Both sides emphasized the importance of mutual visits and high-level meetings to advance bilateral relations,” Caliber.Az reported. It’s a reminder that, in an age of instant communication, personal diplomacy still matters—perhaps now more than ever.
For Uruguay, the visit represented an opportunity to showcase its capabilities in green technology, infrastructure, and food security. For Azerbaijan, it was a chance to position itself as a gateway between regions and a partner for sustainable development. As Azernews noted, “This visit marks a new chapter in Azerbaijan–Uruguay relations, laying the groundwork for deeper economic engagement and strategic cooperation in sectors key to sustainable development.”
Looking ahead, both countries appear committed to building on the momentum generated by Aliyev’s visit. The groundwork has been laid for new investments, joint ventures, and perhaps even more ambitious projects in the years to come. In the words of one official, these meetings are “laying the groundwork for deeper economic engagement and strategic cooperation in sectors key to sustainable development,” as Azernews aptly summarized.
As the sun set over Montevideo, it was clear that the day’s meetings had done more than just fill diplomatic diaries—they had set the stage for a partnership that could reshape the economic landscape for both Azerbaijan and Uruguay, with an eye firmly on a greener, more connected future.
