These insights allow us to appreciate Azerbaijan’s current reality, particularly in terms of applying its unique aspects in an international context. Acknowledging oil as a vital product capable of “eliminating energy shortages” and promoting sustainable development, Al Ghais emphasized that “black gold” will help meet the needs of all people. Furthermore, the OPEC Secretary-General expressed joy over Azerbaijan’s “inclusive approach,” which involves the views and opinions of not only representatives from the oil sector but also other stakeholders, with the participation of both OPEC member countries and non-member states.
In light of this, Al Ghais expressed confidence in the success of COP29, given Azerbaijan’s “pragmatic and progressive approach” to pressing issues. Addressing President Ilham Aliyev, he summarized, “Thanks to your visionary policy and your team, this will be a great success, and we are always ready to support you in this endeavor.”
It is noteworthy to hear such an evaluation of Baku’s efforts, especially from the head of such a significant organization, particularly amid the often challenging understanding between OPEC and global leaders promoting the green agenda. This context encourages us to delve deeper into Azerbaijan’s traditionally historical traits that enable it to advance peaceful (inclusive) initiatives across various directions.
Objectively, in today’s historical phase, concepts like “pragmatism,” “realism,” and “mutually beneficial relationships” are not just disregarded by many but are seen as nonsensical. This is because, according to some, the world should be governed by a completely different ideology that leaves no room for any form of “mutual” interaction, only defending the “right of the strong.”
In this regard, without any artificial stretch, Azerbaijan can genuinely present itself to the global community as a multifaceted state through the lens of an inclusive approach to many vital issues. For instance, it is no secret how Azerbaijan’s multicultural and multinational society is a wealth for everyone in the country, rather than a problem as it is for many states that consider themselves leaders of world civilization. Therefore, our fist, peaceful in nature, can take on iron forms in the face of threats to the country’s population, ensuring the survival of peace and stability for all its people.
Nearby, we see an example of the unique interfaith peace in the country, where Sunnis and Shiites pray side by side in mosques without discomfort. The same situation is evident regarding Christianity and Judaism in the country. Isn’t Azerbaijan’s foreign policy inclusive? Doesn’t this delicate aspect help the country solve significant issues on the international stage? Isn’t it Azerbaijan, the victor, extending a helping hand to Armenia for several years now, calling on it to abandon revanchist ideas and join all regional projects? Isn’t it Azerbaijan that initiated aid to 80 countries during the global spread of “vaccine nationalism”?
Furthermore, didn’t President Ilham Aliyev, in his speech yesterday, announce plans to create a special fund to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as climate change threatens their existence? Should we be surprised when Baku has directly initiated discussions on the challenges and opportunities of the global agenda related to fighting colonialism, its consequences, and neocolonialism?
Therefore, our internal platform, rich in ethnic and religious diversity, with no visible problems in terms of gender, skin color, or language use, clearly demonstrates how Azerbaijan, with its unique “internal inclusivity,” is ready to lead in addressing contemporary global issues.
As a confirmation, one can refer to what Ilham Aliyev said yesterday about Baku’s steps to demonstrate the highest level of responsibility, including building bridges “between different parts of the international community.” If these goals are achieved, “one of the most important outcomes of COP, besides funding, will be the cessation of mutual accusations.” Therefore, “we need to unite our efforts, discard all claims, and focus on an agenda that will help us live on this planet not only for ourselves but also for our children and grandchildren.”
Let’s hope that the guests of the ongoing Baku Energy Week will take the President of Azerbaijan’s words to heart, and that interested international organizations will make real efforts to create conditions for implementing what the head of state has said.
Teymur Atayev
Translated from minval.az
