MESSAGES FROM SHUSHA

In a rapidly changing world, the existence of clear reference points to define the system of geopolitical coordinates is quite rare. Today, there is a significant deficit of politicians on the global geopolitical scene who can comprehend and articulate the dynamics of processes not only in their regions but also in the world at large. Azerbaijan is fortunate in this regard, as it bases its actions on real circumstances.

This was once again demonstrated at the Second Shusha Global Media Forum (July 20-22) on the theme Unmasking False Information: Combating Disinformation, which featured a significant address by President Ilham Aliyev.

Independent Course As A Basis For Success

The central theme of the Azerbaijani head of state's speech was the notion that a genuinely independent path of development is determined by actions grounded in one's own national interests rather than those imposed from outside. According to Ilham Aliyev, "when the Soviet Union collapsed, the West and many post-Soviet republics believed that the only way to move forward and survive was to follow what the powerful nations instructed. We chose a different path. It wasn't easy..." Azerbaijan pursued its independent course and succeeded. This path has prevented the country from becoming a dependent state, a proxy, or a vassal.

Even during the most challenging years of the Garabagh conflict, Azerbaijan maintained hope for restoring its territorial integrity, always grounding its actions in existing realities. "Knowing that the two previous (Armenian) presidents were among those responsible for the genocide against Azerbaijan, including in Khojaly, it was distressing for me to feel compelled to shake hands with them. But I did this for the sake of peace and the liberation of our lands. As President, I had to set aside all my personal feelings and emotions. Therefore, a person who has made such a commitment must suppress their emotions. Did these meetings help restore our territories? I believe they were beneficial," Ilham Aliyev remarked.

This may have served as a message to the Ukrainian president, who has flatly refused to engage in negotiations with Russia despite deteriorating military and political circumstances.

Ilham Aliyev stated that the decision to suspend military operations was not easy for Baku. "My father loved Azerbaijan as much as I or any other Azerbaijani. However, he agreed to the ceasefire in May 1994 and saved the country because, at that time, Azerbaijan had no regular army. He had just begun to establish it. After him, we continued and built an army we are proud of," emphasized the head of state.

He also highlighted the strategic patience that enabled Azerbaijan to achieve its main objectives. According to Ilham Aliyev, the occupied territories might not have been liberated during his presidency—it could have occurred 50 years later. "In that case, it would not have mattered who was president. There is no need to be selfish. This is not about me or anyone else; it is about people, the country, and dignity. We have learned lessons from history. Sometimes you must make tough decisions to achieve significant goals," he concluded.

Discussing the current stage of the negotiation process, the Azerbaijani leader expressed cautious optimism while acknowledging worsened conditions caused, in part, by Nikol Pashinyan's refusal to meet with him at the recent summit in the UK.

While Baku has no issues in its relations with Russia, questions arise in its relations with the United States due to Washington's attempts to interfere in Azerbaijan's internal affairs by supporting opposition groups. The President noted that this was not observed during Donald Trump's administration. Ilham Aliyev elaborated on the previous Republican administration's period, leading listeners to conclude that dialogue with the current administration is developing unsatisfactorily. "President Trump stated during his campaign—one that is still ongoing—that there were no wars during his tenure. Under him, America did not initiate wars; there was no Vietnam, Korea, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, Syria—these situations remain unfinished business. This was a period when such events did not occur; we ought to treat this with great respect," he stated.

Azerbaijan—A Bridge Between the Global North and South

Regarding foreign policy priorities, the President of Azerbaijan noted that one of Baku's primary goals is to serve as a bridge connecting the global South and North. Azerbaijan maintains active contact with political organizations in island states still facing colonial legacies and is making efforts to assist them in achieving political independence. This will position Baku as a strategic partner for these nations in the future, bolstering its role on the international stage.

Ilham Aliyev also mentioned that in collaboration with the Commonwealth (Voluntary Association of Sovereign States), efforts are underway to create a special fund for small island states to address the consequences of climate change. This initiative is part of preparations for the World Climate Summit SOR29 in Baku. Notably, the Commonwealth includes Great Britain along with nearly all its former dominions, colonies, and protectorates. Hence, London serves as Baku's strategic partner in realizing its goals, while Paris represents the primary target of Azerbaijani diplomacy aimed at strengthening relations with developing countries—many of which have been victims of French colonial policies in the past and continue to be affected today.

Few countries today would dare openly criticize France's actions, one of the most influential nations globally. Nevertheless, Baku intends to continue supporting colonial territories by all available means until they achieve freedom, regardless of potential opposition from Paris. "You and millions like you should live freely in your own land, plan your future, and defend your heritage, dignity, and language—elements they seek to deprive you of. We will stand by your side," concluded the Azerbaijani head of state.

Green Agenda and Gas Prospects

In discussing the climate agenda and Baku's preparations for the SOR29 summit, the President emphasized that Azerbaijan faces significant external pressure through various media campaigns. He reiterated that it is not the fault of oil-producing countries that they possess substantial hydrocarbon reserves; however, they should be prepared to leverage this advantage to bolster the global green agenda by allocating considerable time and resources towards developing capabilities to generate green energy products from fossil fuels.

Ilham Aliyev also addressed the issue of transporting Azerbaijani gas to Europe. He noted that while the European Union persistently urges Azerbaijan to increase supplies of natural gas, it is not hasty in financing projects for its delivery.

To double the capacity of the Trans-Anatolian and Trans-Adriatic pipelines, Brussels expects Baku to shoulder all costs associated with these developments—even though Azerbaijan has yet to recover its investments in the Southern Gas Corridor. "Our revenues from gas sales are still directed towards repaying this debt. They expect us to invest billions into this while simultaneously stating that the EU will not need gas in ten years. Do we appear to be fools who will invest tens of billions of dollars into gas they won't require?" he asked rhetorically.

This question is indeed pertinent given that Brussels has consistently expressed its intention to foster long-term cooperation with Azerbaijan. Specifically, the EU anticipates Baku will double its gas supplies by 2027 as promised by President Ilham Aliyev.

At the Shusha summit, he reiterated his commitments, stating that they are realistic and based on concrete calculations—not mere formalities. He stressed that if Azerbaijani supplies to Europe totalled over 8 billion cubic meters in 2021, they would rise to 13 billion this year and could potentially reach 16 billion cubic meters by 2027. The capacity of the existing transport network supports this expansion. The capacities of current interconnectors and those under construction will be utilized for this purpose.

Brussels also expects that Baku and Kiev—as well as Baku and Moscow—will find mutually acceptable solutions allowing Ukraine to continue utilizing its gas transport system while ensuring gas supplies to Slovakia and Austria.

Consequently, Baku's geopolitical role in fulfilling Europe's critical task of ensuring energy independence is significantly increasing.

This role is further amplified by plans to establish a grand project for creating a green energy corridor from Central Asia to Europe.

During the Global Media Forum in Shusha, Azerbaijan's President aimed to articulate the essence of his country's foreign and domestic policies, define priorities, and convey his vision regarding ongoing developments both within and outside the South Caucasus region. Judging by audience feedback—comprising individuals well-versed in political processes—they appeared satisfied with both the breadth and depth of topics addressed.