In a world increasingly defined by multipolarity and shifting
alliances, Azerbaijan’s deepening ties with Latin America are not
merely symbolic; they are strategic, calculated, and
transformative. The recent flurry of diplomatic and economic
activity, including high-level meetings in Brazil and Peru, marks a
turning point in Baku’s foreign policy: a pivot toward regions that
offer untapped potential, diversified partnerships, and long-term
geopolitical dividends.
Earlier this week, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur
Məmmədov led a delegation to Lima, Peru, for the first round of
political consultations between the two countries’ foreign
ministries. This historic meeting, held with Peru’s Deputy Foreign
Minister Félix Denegrí, commemorated 29 years of diplomatic
relations and launched a new phase of strategic dialogue. But this
was not an isolated event; it was part of a broader pattern of
engagement that includes growing trade with Brazil, increased
investment outreach, and a bold logistical move: the acquisition of
handy-size vessels to facilitate fertilizer exports to Latin
America.
Azerbaijan’s decision to purchase handy-size cargo ships is
emblematic of its ambition to become a serious player in global
trade logistics. These vessels, ideal for navigating smaller ports
and regional routes, are now being deployed to transport
fertilizers, one of Azerbaijan’s growing export commodities, to
Latin American markets. This is not just about selling urea or
ammonium nitrate; it’s about embedding Azerbaijan into the
agricultural lifelines of countries like Brazil, Argentina, and
Peru.
Latin America, with its vast agricultural sector and increasing
demand for high-quality fertilizers, presents a lucrative
opportunity. By offering competitive pricing and reliable delivery,
Azerbaijan positions itself as a credible alternative to
traditional suppliers. The use of handy-size ships ensures
flexibility, cost-efficiency, and access to ports that larger
vessels cannot reach—an operational advantage that could translate
into long-term commercial relationships.
Brazil remains Azerbaijan’s most significant partner in the
region. The recent visit by Deputy Economy Minister Elnur Əliyev to
Brazil underscored this reality. During the inaugural session of
the Azerbaijan-Brazil Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment,
both sides expressed a clear intent to deepen cooperation in
agriculture, transport, and energy. Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo
Alckmin praised Azerbaijan’s proactive approach and emphasized the
mutual benefits of closer ties.
Trade between the two nations has already surpassed $230 million
in the first seven months of 2025, a twofold increase compared to
the previous year. Azerbaijan exports chemical products,
agricultural goods, and industrial inputs, while importing
Brazilian sugar, meat, coffee, and machinery. This growing exchange
is not just transactional; it reflects a convergence of interests
and a shared vision for South-South cooperation.
Political Alignment and Cultural Diplomacy
Beyond economics, Azerbaijan’s outreach to Latin America is also
political. Countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Peru have
consistently supported Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity in
international forums. Several have recognized the Khojaly massacre,
and many have expressed solidarity with Baku’s post-conflict
reconstruction efforts in Karabakh.
Cultural diplomacy plays a vital role here. Azerbaijan has
established embassies in key Latin American capitals and formed
parliamentary friendship groups to foster mutual understanding.
Joint initiatives in education, tourism, and heritage preservation
are helping bridge the geographic and cultural divide. These
efforts are not superficial—they are building the soft power
foundation for durable partnerships.
The recent political consultations in Lima were more than a
diplomatic courtesy—they were a strategic investment. Peru, with
its Pacific coastline and membership in the Pacific Alliance,
offers Azerbaijan a gateway to Asia-Pacific markets. As Elnur
Məmmədov rightly emphasized, cooperation with regional
organizations like the Pacific Alliance and CELAC (Community of
Latin American and Caribbean States) is essential for Azerbaijan’s
global integration.
Peru’s interest in expanding collaboration in tourism, security,
culture, and sports reflects a genuine desire to move beyond
rhetoric. The two nations agreed to enhance technical cooperation
in heritage preservation, exchange expertise, and explore joint
ventures. These initiatives not only strengthen bilateral ties but
also contribute to the well-being of both societies.
It is important to understand the interests standing behind
every cooperation. This is because not only economic and strategic
opportunities, but also cultural and other areas play a significant
role. As for the question of what significance Peru could have for
Azerbaijan or simply why it matters for the South Caucasus, it can
be characterized in terms of geopolitical importance, economic
synergy, diplomatic leverage, as well as cultural exchange.
Indeed, Peru’s strategic location, economic dynamism, and
cultural richness make it a valuable partner for Azerbaijan.
Strengthening ties with Lima offers several key advantages:
For instance, through Peru, Azerbaijan gains access to the
Pacific Alliance and broader Asia-Pacific trade routes,
diversifying its export destinations and reducing dependency on
traditional markets, just from the viewpoint of its geopolitical
importance.
Peru’s demand for fertilizers, energy inputs, and industrial
goods aligns well with Azerbaijan’s export capabilities. Joint
ventures in mining, agriculture, and logistics could unlock new
revenue streams if we look from an economic perspective.
Diplomatic relations can not be set apart, as Azerbaijan seeks
to expand its influence in global forums. Therefore, Peru’s support
in multilateral platforms like the UN and CELAC can amplify Baku’s
voice on issues ranging from climate change to regional
security.
As regards cultural backgrounds, both nations boast ancient
civilizations and rich cultural heritages. Collaboration in
heritage preservation and tourism can foster mutual respect and
people-to-people connections.
In a nutshell, Azerbaijan’s engagement with Latin America is not
a fleeting experiment, but it is a strategic recalibration. By
investing in logistics, diplomacy, and cultural ties, Baku is
crafting a new narrative: one of resilience, ambition, and global
relevance. The road ahead may be long, but the direction is clear,
and Latin America is no longer a distant frontier but a vital
partner in Azerbaijan’s journey toward global integration.
