At a time when geopolitical transformations are accelerating in the modern international relations system and a multipolar world order is taking shape, the importance of regional and global cooperation platforms is steadily increasing. In this regard, the “SCO Plus” meeting held in Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, on September 1 is of particular significance in terms of strengthening political dialogue, mutual cooperation and the principles of multilateralism among states. The participation and address of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev at the meeting demonstrated Azerbaijan’s views on regional processes, international security issues and emerging geopolitical realities.

In his address in Bishkek, President Ilham Aliyev placed particular emphasis on the strategic nature of Azerbaijan–Kyrgyzstan relations. As the President noted, the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations between the two countries during the state visit that took place a month earlier has elevated Azerbaijan–Kyrgyzstan relations to a qualitatively new stage. The document not only strengthens the legal and political foundations of bilateral relations, but also sends an important political message in terms of strengthening solidarity and mutual support within the Turkic world.

The rapid development of relations between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan in recent years is also particularly significant in the context of deepening ties between Central Asia and the South Caucasus. The expansion of cooperation in transport, energy, trade, investment and humanitarian fields is creating closer economic and geopolitical links between the two regions. This process complements Azerbaijan’s position along the East–West and North–South transport corridors with the growing interest of Central Asian states in expanding their access to global markets.

Another important focus of President Ilham Aliyev’s address was the new security realities emerging in the South Caucasus. The President described the initialling of the text of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia as a historic milestone toward bringing an end to the 30-year conflict:

“A little over a year ago, Azerbaijan and Armenia initialled the text of the peace agreement, thus putting an end to the 30-year conflict. Thus, the South Caucasus region, which had been a zone of long-standing conflict, is becoming a zone of peace. The four resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council in 1993 were implemented three years ago, after 30 years. Azerbaijan is already supplying petroleum products to Armenia and ensuring the transit of cargo belonging to third countries. Together with Armenia, we are working to increase the volume of mutual trade, expand its range and establish new land transport communications.”

Thus, the “SCO Plus” meeting in Bishkek demonstrated how several key directions of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy—the strategic partnership with the Turkic world, the expansion of ties with Central Asia, the promotion of lasting peace in the South Caucasus and the strengthening of multilateral diplomacy—complement and reinforce one another.

One of the key messages of President Ilham Aliyev’s address is that, amid new geopolitical realities, Azerbaijan is not merely a participant in regional processes, but also an actor contributing to the formation of a new architecture of cooperation and security. The strengthening of ties between the South Caucasus and Central Asia, the expansion of transport and economic routes, the deepening of integration among Turkic states, and the promotion of the principle of multilateralism on international platforms give strategic substance to Azerbaijan’s regional and global diplomatic agenda.