During the 12th Global Baku Forum, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev spoke to Euronews, addressing key global challenges, geopolitical shifts, and Azerbaijan’s role in the evolving world order. He emphasized that the current international system is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with traditional institutions proving increasingly ineffective.
Crisis of International Law and the New Global Reality
Aliyev noted that the old world order no longer exists, and the future structure of international relations remains uncertain.
“The old world order seems no longer to be here. Now, nobody knows what the new configuration of international community interaction will be. But what is absolutely clear is that every country should be more concentrated on its own capabilities and not rely on any kind of assistance or even on international law.”
He stressed that Azerbaijan has significant experience in building its future independently, as the country has suffered from the selective application of international law:
“Azerbaijan suffered from international law being selective. We did not rely on anyone to restore justice—we did it ourselves. This was our path, and we proved that it works.”
He added that many countries would now focus more on bilateral relations rather than on multilateral mechanisms:
“Some international institutions demonstrate their weakness, if not total paralysis. Therefore, many countries will concentrate mainly on the bilateral track of relationships rather than on activity within international institutions.”
South Caucasus
Aliyev acknowledged that the South Caucasus had long been a zone of confrontation, but now there is an opportunity to maintain stability.
“It is important to protect the region from any crises around us. Unfortunately, for decades, the South Caucasus was an area of confrontation and hostility. Now, we have a relatively quiet period, so we need to concentrate on that and build security mechanisms that will be inclusive and eliminate any threat of another military confrontation.”
He also highlighted the importance of restoring normal interactions between neighboring countries:
“During Soviet times, there was active interaction between the South Caucasian republics. Now, as independent countries, we must remember that experience and not be late in adapting to geopolitical transformations.”
However, he warned that peace requires concrete steps, including the signing of a peace agreement with Armenia:
“Even now, almost five years after the Second Karabakh War, we do not have a peace deal with Armenia. Yes, we have a quiet period, with no casualties, and that is a big advantage. But until a peace agreement is signed, stability is not fully secured.”
Global Conflicts
Discussing ongoing global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle Eastern tensions, Aliyev argued that nations must take full responsibility for their own future.
“Whether it’s a war between Russia and Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, conflicts in Africa, or other parts of the world, countries must understand that their destiny is in their own hands. The sooner they realize it, the better for them.”
He warned against excessive dependence on external support:
“If you always rely on someone’s assistance, then first, you are vulnerable. Second, you are not guaranteed that this assistance will be eternal. And third, you lose part of your sovereignty. Because if you depend on someone and always ask for help, then one day, that someone will come and give you a bill.”
Azerbaijan-U.S. Relations
Aliyev also touched on Azerbaijan’s relations with the United States, expressing optimism about rebuilding ties with Washington under Donald Trump’s administration:
“We were very disappointed with the deterioration of relations between the previous U.S. administration and Azerbaijan due to, I would say, an unjust approach toward our national interests. Therefore, we are very enthusiastic about rebuilding our strong partnership and relationship with the United States under Trump’s administration.”
However, he acknowledged that not all leaders share this enthusiasm:
“There are people in that room who are more disappointed than enthusiastic. And that is normal because every country has its own interests, and every politician has their own views.”
The Future of Global Stability
When asked about the prospects for global stability, Aliyev said he prefers a realistic approach over wishful thinking.
“I would not be so optimistic. I prefer to be realistic. I don’t think that we will achieve stability in the coming months or even years. If we talk about the war between Russia and Ukraine, even if the war stops, it is not a guarantee that it will not erupt again.”
He cited Azerbaijan’s own experience in managing long-term conflicts, referencing the nearly 30-year ceasefire with Armenia before the Second Karabakh War:
“For almost 30 years, we had a ceasefire agreement with Armenia, reached in 1994. But that did not mean the war was over—it just transformed. A war only ends when you have a peace agreement.”
In conclusion, President Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to a policy of sovereignty, independence, and self-sufficiency:
“Our experience was successful and proved that by relying on our own resources, we restored our sovereignty and territorial integrity ourselves. Now, we are building our future. This is not just a theory—this is what actually happened here in Azerbaijan.”
