Pursuing an independent and principled foreign policy, Azerbaijan has in recent years become one of the leading forces behind regional development and has established itself as a reliable partner in the international arena. As President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly emphasized, Azerbaijan’s word is as important as its signature. The Victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War and the full restoration of sovereignty in 2023 are clear manifestations of our country’s independent policy and position based on national interests.

The key priorities of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy include protecting national sovereignty, ensuring regional and global security, respecting international legal norms, and developing multilateral and multi-vector cooperation. Our country builds relations with all states based on the principles of mutual respect and equality, and does not act at the dictate of any other state.

Against the backdrop of changes taking place in global and regional relations, Azerbaijan is further strengthening its ties with the countries of Central Asia and the Turkic world. President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Kyrgyzstan and his participation in the “SCO Plus” meeting held in Bishkek were further examples of Azerbaijan’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy. In his speeches, the President emphasizes the importance of creating a unified mechanism for implementing UN Security Council resolutions and carrying out reforms at the United Nations.

Azerbaijan’s diplomatic initiatives are also producing results. The dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Process and its structures, which had been involved in efforts to resolve the Karabakh conflict, is one of the important developments reflecting the new realities of the post-conflict period.

The strategic alliance with Türkiye and strengthening the unity of the Turkic world occupy a special place in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy. Azerbaijan-Türkiye relations are developing on the basis of the principle of “One nation, two states.” At the same time, the growing influence and expanding opportunities for cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States are creating conditions for broader political, economic, transportation, energy, defense, and other ties among the Turkic states.

Transportation and logistics projects also play an important role in Azerbaijan’s growing international role. Located at the crossroads of the East-West and North-South transport corridors, our country is becoming an important transit hub between Europe and Asia. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, transportation across the Caspian Sea, and the prospects for the Zangezur Corridor are further increasing Azerbaijan’s importance in regional and global transport connectivity.

All these developments demonstrate that Azerbaijan’s independent, principled foreign policy based on national interests is contributing to the strengthening of the country’s international position, the establishment of new partnerships, and the expansion of regional cooperation. There is no doubt that the successes of a policy founded on justice, international law, and mutual trust will continue in the future.