Expecting breakthrough and discussion of problems Dedicates to the Fifth Congress of World Azerbaijanis in Shusha

The news that the Fifth Congress of World Azerbaijanis will be held in the cultural capital of Azerbaijan – Shusha city, liberated from Armenia’s occupation, came in as joyful news for our compatriots living in different countries around the world.

The Congress was first held 21 years ago on the initiative of Azerbaijan’s national leader Heydar Aliyev. Everybody remembered Heydar Aliyev’s speech, which ended with the words "I have always been proud and am proud today that I am an Azerbaijani!". Each of the previous congresses in 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016 became a remarkable event, marking milestones of those years.

About 400 representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora from 65 countries are expected to attend the upcoming event. After the official opening ceremony of the congress, the report on the activity of the Azerbaijani State Committee on Work with Diaspora will be made. The discussions on such topics as "Tasks facing the Azerbaijani Diaspora in the post-war period", "Contribution of the Azerbaijani Diaspora to the restoration and reconstruction of Karabakh", etc. will be held.

I would like to reiterate that the congress in Shusha is of special significance. This city is one of the symbols that unite us all.

No one doubts the historical significance of this event for every Azerbaijani, especially the Diaspora. We have not forgotten the occupied Shusha for almost 30 years, and its liberation during the second Armenia-Azerbaijan Karabakh War in autumn 2020 was unforgettable for all Azerbaijanis. So, this is the first congress after the Second Karabakh War and the upcoming event can be called a "Congress of Winners".

The diaspora plays an important role in the current situation of severe global challenges, wars; environmental, demographic, energy, migration, food, and other problems. The Azerbaijani diaspora in different countries also experienced big problems. At first, many organizations were affected as a result of discord and splits, especially in Russia and Ukraine. People with dubious reputations tried to cling to the leaders of diaspora organizations.

Moreover, awful situations occurred when there were two or three, or even four diaspora organizations in one city or region, and each considered itself the leading force, harshly criticizing the others (however, they were often useless in their activities). The heads of diaspora organizations sometimes used their privileges for selfish purposes.

But time has put everything in its place, negative facts have been got rid of, the Diaspora has been, if not completely, but partially cleared of outsiders. Thus, the steps taken in recent years to strengthen and develop diaspora organizations have paid off and played a big role. As a result, during the Second Karabakh War and after it, the Diaspora demonstrated unity, putting forward its loyalty to Azerbaijan.

There is no doubt that in the current difficult geopolitical situation, Azerbaijan needs a modern Diaspora capable of positive transformation, meeting the realities, and keeping up the pace with the current demands. At the same time, I would like to emphasize one important point that the Azerbaijani Diaspora in some countries, in particular, in France, the US, or Russia, remains inferior to the Armenian influence due to historical reasons, however, acts in the full interests of its country, rather against it. The Armenian diaspora is reminiscent of the tail that twists the dog wherever and however it wants, drawing Armenia into a confrontation with its neighbors, a confrontation that does fit in the national interests of the Armenian people. It is important that the representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora have recently been intensively working against the Armenian lobby, against the lies it spreads.

It is quite obvious that the Fifth Congress will set important tasks for Diaspora organizations in terms of lobbying activity. The Azerbaijanis of the Diaspora are already representatives of the victorious nation, and therefore, strengthening the unity and ties of the diasporas with Azerbaijan must necessarily take place in this vein. The congress in Shusha is intended to give a powerful impetus to the further development and strengthening of the Azerbaijani diaspora for every Azerbaijani living overseas, for those who love their historical homeland and are ready to do everything possible for Azerbaijan’s benefit.

According to its results, it, along with Baku’s clearly verified and balanced policy, must become a breakthrough of the growing influence in the world that Azerbaijan has been seeking.  Shortly, Azerbaijan needs a stronger, active, modern diaspora capable of greatly influencing public opinion, and promoting the interests of our country. It is a difficult task to achieve, but not a mission impossible.