Azerbaijani president outlines vision for regional stability at Shusha forum Address to the participants

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has addressed participants of the international conference held in Shusha titled “Regional Contribution to Global Security: Peacebuilding in the South Caucasus.”

In his address, President Aliyev welcomed the conference participants and highlighted the growing significance of the annual forum, which has been organised since 2022, Caliber.Az reports, citing state media.

“Dear Conference participants!

I warmly welcome you to the international conference on ‘Regional Contribution to Global Security: Peacebuilding in the South Caucasus’ held in Shusha.

This prestigious international event, organised since 2022, holds profound importance amid today’s complex geopolitical processes. The year-on-year increase in the number of participants at the conference, which has become an important component of Azerbaijan’s initiative to create an environment of regional peace and stability, inspires confidence that it will make worthy contributions to common security and international cooperation in the future.”

The President noted that Azerbaijan, having restored its independence, has consistently faced occupation, international threats, and injustice, while remaining committed both to safeguarding its territorial integrity and promoting international cooperation.

“After regaining its independence, Azerbaijan, which has been subjected to occupation, international threats and injustice, has consistently fought to ensure its territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens, and at the same time has remained dedicated to establishing cooperation and friendly ties among countries worldwide.”

He underlined that as a result of the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020 and the one-day anti-terror operation in 2023, Azerbaijan’s territories were liberated.

“As a result of the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020 and the one-day anti-terrorist operation in 2023, our lands, which had been under occupation for many years, were liberated from Armenian occupation, and Azerbaijan fully restored its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Thus, Azerbaijan has itself ensured the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions that had remained on paper for nearly 30 years.”

President Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan is pursuing a consistent policy aimed at establishing lasting peace and stability in the region, noting that recent diplomatic developments have reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus.

“Our country is pursuing a resolute policy towards establishing and maintaining a lasting environment of peace and stability in the region. The signing of the Joint Declaration between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington last year, witnessed by the President of the United States of America Donald Trump and the initialing of the peace agreement have completely reshaped the situation in the South Caucasus.”

He further emphasised the strategic importance of the Zangezur Corridor, describing it as a key transport link connecting mainland Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan and an important segment of the broader Middle Corridor.

“In this regard, the Zangezur Corridor, which is being implemented, will connect both Azerbaijan’s mainland with its Nakhchivan region, and will become one of the key segments of the Middle Corridor.”

The President also highlighted Azerbaijan’s post-conflict reconstruction agenda, including urban development initiatives and international cooperation in sustainable development.

He noted that the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” and the successful hosting of the 13th Session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku reflect Azerbaijan’s humanitarian and development-focused policy in the post-conflict period.

“During this Forum, Azerbaijan showcased to about 60,000 participants representing 182 countries its advanced infrastructure, built on cutting-edge urban planning concepts in the liberated Garabagh and East Zangezur Economic Regions, where safe and dignified living conditions have been established for the more than 85,000 Azerbaijani citizens currently residing there.”

President Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan is committed to transforming not only the South Caucasus but also the wider Eurasian region into a stable and cooperative space, emphasising cooperation within the Turkic world as a key pillar of this strategy.

“As an advocate for a just world order and secure global living conditions, Azerbaijan is working to transform not only the region, but also Eurasia as a whole, into a reliable space for cooperation. The decisive steps taken alongside friendly and brotherly countries, especially within the Turkic world, are of particular significance for international cooperation and they transform our family, the Turkic World, into one of the most influential geopolitical power centres of the 21st century.”

He further noted that constructive dialogue among states with differing political interests contributes to regional stability and strengthens mutual trust.

“As demonstrated by this important international conference, the preference of parties with different political interests for constructive dialogue, responsible behaviour, and joint activities based on national interests serves to preserve a healthy atmosphere of cooperation and solidarity between countries and within society further strengthens mutual trust.”

President Aliyev concluded his address by expressing confidence in the outcomes of the conference, noting its symbolic importance in relation to National Salvation Day and the anniversary of the Shusha Declaration.

“I am confident that this conference, organised by the New Azerbaijan Party on the occasion of the National Salvation Day, which is marked by the salvation of Azerbaijan by National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, and the anniversary of the signing of the historic Shusha Declaration, will serve as a flexible mechanism, making vital contributions to preserving sustainable cooperation among the participating countries.

I wish the Conference every success, and peace and prosperity to each of the friendly countries you represent.”