BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev answered questions from experts from various countries of the world at the international forum held on April 9 at ADA University on the topic "Facing the New World Order", and shared his detailed views on Azerbaijan’s future development strategy, regional cooperation and the peace process, as well as global challenges, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.
He reminded that the head of state clarified issues that are in the focus of the whole world and presented Azerbaijan’s position.
According to Garayev, the head of state mentioned Azerbaijan's relations with the region, Western and Eastern countries, the processes in the South Caucasus, the issue of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, developments in the Middle East, and other important aspects.
"As President Ilham Aliyev also noted, Western countries are currently interested in building deep relations with Central Asia. Of course, this region is rich in natural resources, and since European countries are now in search of new energy sources, they are paying special attention to this region. European countries can't establish any connections with Central Asia without Azerbaijan. Since Azerbaijan is located between Europe and Central Asia, it is considered the center of all routes in this direction. The head of state also rightly pointed out that to understand the impossibility of ignoring Azerbaijan, it is enough to simply look at the map. Therefore, those who want to exclude Azerbaijan from these processes will naturally not succeed," the analyst said.
Garayev noted that the 30-year occupation of a part of Azerbaijan's territories by Armenia prevented the development of the South Caucasus.
"President Ilham Aliyev also rightly emphasized in this regard that Armenia’s aggressive policy has been the main obstacle to the integration of the South Caucasus. There is a successful cooperation model between Azerbaijan and Georgia in the region, and both countries closely cooperate in almost all areas. Armenia could also have been part of these processes, but they voluntarily remained outside of them. After the peace agreement is signed, regional cooperation is possible, but to reach this stage, a concrete and constructive position from Armenia is required. Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated its expectations in this regard, so now the next step must be taken by Armenia. The head of state also mentioned this briefly and clearly: "With respect to the peace agreement, the ball is in Armenia’s court." This means that the Azerbaijani side is ready to sign the peace agreement, and the removal of the main obstacle depends on Armenia’s next steps," the analyst explained.
He stressed that one of the other important topics the head of state spoke about at the forum was Azerbaijan’s role in relations between Türkiye and Israel.
"President Ilham Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan's mediating role in easing tensions between Türkiye and Israel. He noted that the first successful reconciliation between the two countries was achieved through Azerbaijan. As you know, Azerbaijan has historical relations with both Türkiye and Israel, and any misunderstanding between these two countries also affects us to some extent. Therefore, Azerbaijan actively tries to assist in the normalization of relations between the two countries. This process also shows that Azerbaijan is capable of contributing to stability not only in the South Caucasus region but also in other parts of the world, in this case, the Middle East," Garayev noted.
According to him, President Ilham Aliyev also broadly analyzed Azerbaijan's relations with the US, discussing relations with past and current administrations.
"The head of our state especially referred to the successes of past cooperation with the Trump administration and criticized the anti-Azerbaijani policy of the Biden-Blinken administration. Although Azerbaijan has always had good relations with the US, the policy changes under the Biden-Blinken administration, especially the steps directed against Azerbaijan and the unilateral support for Armenia, have strained relations.
President Ilham Aliyev addressed this topic, stating that the State Department under Blinken pursued an anti-Azerbaijani policy and that discrimination was being carried out against our country. It was precisely during Blinken’s tenure that so-called 'reputable' US media outlets published articles against Azerbaijan, tried to portray Armenia as right in matters where Azerbaijan was clearly in the right, and displayed a biased approach.
The same applies to USAID. The head of our state rightly emphasized that the Azerbaijani side knew the source of these articles and approaches was precisely the State Department. However, the Democratic administration is now in the past; the Republicans have come to power in the United States, and the current President — Donald Trump — is an adequate person. With Trump’s arrival, the anti-Azerbaijan trend in US policy was halted, those 'reputable' media outlets stopped publishing articles against our country, and this is already a positive point.
President Ilham Aliyev also addressed this point, noting that considering the Trump administration’s agenda, this period could be a very good opportunity to strengthen our partnership. At the same time, it should be emphasized that during Trump’s first term, there was no crisis between the two countries, and relations were developing. The head of our state also stated that we are now waiting for the time to start — or perhaps restart — very strong, predictable, long-term strategic relations with the new administration," he noted.
Garayev pointed out that during the forum, extensive time was also devoted to Azerbaijan’s rich energy resources and its contribution to Europe’s energy security.
"President Ilham Aliyev’s statements at the forum regarding the Southern Gas Corridor and green energy are important not only in terms of technical and economic aspects but also from geopolitical and strategic perspectives. Here, the main contours of Azerbaijan's strategic course in energy policy are outlined, and an open call is made to Europe: either provide real support for this cooperation or consider the possibility of our orientation toward alternative markets. The ambiguity and double standards in Europe’s energy policy are also exposed here.
On one hand, Europe sets a carbon neutrality target for 2050; on the other hand, it wants more gas from Azerbaijan, and that too on the condition that the investments are made by the Azerbaijani side. This contradiction is clearly highlighted in the words of the head of state: "If you do not get it from us, then why should I invest or why should I look at your market as my main market?" This question is actually a serious warning to Europe — energy cooperation must be carried out not only based on demand but also on mutual commitments. There must also be guarantees for Azerbaijan’s future steps in this direction," Garayev noted.
According to him, President Ilham Aliyev also expressed clear views on the issue of the Russia-Ukraine war, touching on matters of public concern.
"Azerbaijan's approach to this issue is based on its own historical experience. During the long years of the ceasefire regime, the defensive lines established by Armenia, the mining operations, and the constant sniper warfare clearly showed Baku that sustainable peace is not just 'peace' on paper but a real and guaranteed security environment. From this perspective, Azerbaijan’s position is entirely principled and justified: the mere silence of weapons does not mean the war has ended.
Regarding the possibility of real peace between Ukraine and Russia, the head of state clearly stated that in the current situation, this does not seem possible. Russia has already declared the occupied territories as its own, while Ukraine and the international community do not accept this. Unless this sharp contradiction is resolved, no 'peace initiative' can be successful.
Azerbaijan also unequivocally supports Ukraine's territorial integrity based on international law. The key conclusion here is this: real peace is only possible through a balance of power, clear borders, and mutual respect for those borders. In modern international relations, a peace model based on 'territorial concessions' is neither just nor acceptable, especially for countries that have suffered from conflict," the analyst noted.
He pointed out that Azerbaijani-Iranian relations were also discussed at the forum, and detailed information was given on this issue.
"Relations between Azerbaijan and Iran are on the verge of entering a new phase. The expected visit of Pezeshkian to Baku can be considered an important political signal in this direction. Baku is openly hopeful for this visit, but at the same time keeps on the agenda the serious baggage of past issues in relations with Iran. This dual dynamic — on one hand, past grievances; on the other hand, promising cooperation — reflects the current reality of Azerbaijan-Iran relations.
Baku approaches the issue realistically: if lessons are learned from past mistakes, a new chapter based on mutual respect and interests can be opened. If Tehran complements the messages of the new administration with real actions, this visit could become not only a political gesture but also a turning point in bilateral relations," Garayev noted.
He also particularly highlighted the President’s views on relations with China.
"Strategic partnership with China is important for Baku not only diplomatically but also economically and technologically. Cooperation with Chinese companies in the fields of green energy and transportation can play a crucial role in implementing Azerbaijan’s 'green transition' agenda. In addition, the potential for defense cooperation can also contribute to further deepening the relationship between the two parties. Azerbaijan’s active participation in the One Belt One Road Initiative turns it into a transport and logistics hub across Eurasia. Baku contributes to this initiative not just in words but through serious investments and infrastructure. In this context, the head of state specifically said: "It is a very diversified relationship - very strong and with great potential for the future." Against the backdrop of all these processes, Azerbaijan-China relations promise serious prospects not only in a bilateral framework but also on Global South and multilateral platforms," he said.
The analyst emphasized that overall, during the forum, President Ilham Aliyev answered questions from experts from various countries and provided extensive information to everyone.
"During his speech, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, touched upon extremely relevant and strategically important topics regarding both domestic and international agendas. "Overall, the President's speech covered not only Azerbaijan's national interests but also strategic issues that are of focus for the international community. This speech was rich with important messages for both regional states and global powers," the analyst emphasized.