Given the global awareness of how closely the president’s words align with his actions, world leaders pay close attention to the messages he delivers. Thus, President Ilham Aliyev’s address on the occasion of the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year will be carefully analyzed by various circles outside the country.
In this context, it is particularly notable that the president highlighted Azerbaijan’s significant growth in international stature, its increasing military strength, and the stability that ensures a safe environment for its citizens. This emphasis is particularly important for external actors who may not wish to acknowledge the country’s progress. While they likely recognize these achievements, they may not be inclined to admit them. President Aliyev’s statements reflect not just steady progress but Azerbaijan’s systematic advancement toward achieving its declared goals.
As early as 2018, President Aliyev made it clear: “At the center of our policies is the Azerbaijani citizen—his problems, concerns, and well-being. The unity between the people and the government is a key factor ensuring stability in Azerbaijan. Our policies are supported by the public, which sees that they lead to tangible results.” He also stressed that Azerbaijan maintains a principled stance, pursuing an independent policy that serves the interests of its people. Consequently, the country’s foreign policy, rooted in international law and justice, has proven to be fully justified.
The president’s address yesterday is a testament to Azerbaijan’s confident march forward. As he emphasized at COP29, despite Armenia’s nearly 30-year occupation of 20% of Azerbaijan’s territory and the displacement of about 1 million Azerbaijanis, “we have built a strong country, a self-sufficient economy, and pursued an independent policy.” In 2020, Azerbaijan celebrated a historic victory in the Second Karabakh War, and by 2023, it had fully restored its sovereignty in accordance with the UN Charter.
In other words, Azerbaijan’s steps are not only well-calculated and specific but are also taken exclusively to safeguard the interests of its people. As President Aliyev recently stated in an interview with Dmitry Kiselyov, certain global powers, which consider themselves arbiters of world affairs, “are not used to being taught about justice. They are used to teaching others, being revered, consulted, and having decisions made only with their approval. This colonial and neocolonial mindset remains deeply ingrained in their consciousness.”
However, Azerbaijan has made it clear that it will not tolerate threats or coercion. President Aliyev noted yesterday that attempts by certain Western countries and their controlled NGOs and fake media to use COP29 against Azerbaijan over the past 11 months were in vain. He also pointed out the ongoing slander and disinformation campaigns by forces that “the Azerbaijani people know well.”
These external actors must understand that no so-called “centers of power,” including those they consider themselves a part of, can influence Azerbaijan’s foreign policy choices. Moreover, Azerbaijan has itself become a significant center of power, as evidenced by its growing influence and principled stance on global issues, including the defense of other nations under colonial or external pressure.
For instance, at COP29, President Aliyev labeled the actions of the European Parliament and PACE, along with French President Macron’s government, as examples of “political hypocrisy,” accusing them of sharing responsibility for the deaths of innocent people due to colonial and neocolonial policies.
Azerbaijan has also established new realities in the South Caucasus—diplomatically, internationally, and politically. External forces encouraging Armenia to escalate tensions should be aware that “no power in our region can compete with us militarily.” It is in the interest of neighboring countries to avoid a path of militarization, as Azerbaijan will not stand idly by in the face of actions that threaten peace.
Despite external challenges, Azerbaijan continues to uphold the interests of its people and sovereignty. For example, the principled stance taken by official Baku regarding the aviation incident involving a flight from Baku to Grozny, which was targeted over Russian airspace, has drawn global attention.
As President Aliyev emphasized in a recent interview: “We, the Azerbaijani side, and I personally strive to be as fair as possible. We refrain from commenting on unresolved issues until they are clarified. However, on clear matters, we must, and will, speak out decisively.”
Those orchestrating anti-Azerbaijani campaigns would do well to heed the president’s message: “We confidently govern our country. Those who attempt to obstruct our path will fail once again.”
Finally, it is important for these forces to recognize that 2025 has been declared the Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty in Azerbaijan!
Teymur Atayev
