Key takeaways from President Aliyev's Cernobbio address Azerbaijan-Italy ties, energy, and peace prospects

At the International Cernobbio Forum, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan underscored the profound and multifaceted partnership between Azerbaijan and Italy. In his keynote address, President Aliyev delved into the historical and strategic dimensions of this bilateral relationship, highlighting its economic, energy, and educational facets.

His remarks also touched on significant geopolitical issues, including the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and the prospects for peace in the Southern Caucasus. Addressing the audience, President Aliyev not only reinforced the strength of Azerbaijan-Italy ties but also offered insights into his country's evolving role in regional and global affairs, including potential involvement in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Here are the key takeaways from President Ilham Aliyev's keynote address at the International Cernobbio Forum:

1. Strong Azerbaijan-Italy partnership: President Aliyev underscored the deep and enduring strategic relationship between Azerbaijan and Italy, highlighting frequent high-level interactions and collaborations in various sectors.

2. Economic cooperation: Italy is Azerbaijan's top global trading partner, with a trade turnover approaching $16 billion. Azerbaijan plays a crucial role in Italy's energy security, being its primary oil supplier and second-largest gas supplier.

3. Energy security: The Southern Gas Corridor, a 3,500 km pipeline system, is vital for energy security, supplying gas to ten countries, including seven EU members. This infrastructure solidifies Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable energy partner.

4. Educational collaboration: The establishment of the Italy-Azerbaijan University, in collaboration with leading Italian and Azerbaijani institutions, is seen as a significant step in educational and cultural exchange.

5. Restoration of territorial integrity: Aliyev emphasized the importance of Azerbaijan’s restored territorial integrity and criticized the ineffectiveness of international efforts to address the former occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia.

6. Peace negotiations: Progress in peace negotiations with Armenia is ongoing, with substantial agreement on the peace treaty and border delimitation. Aliyev expressed optimism for achieving lasting peace in the Southern Caucasus.

7. Potential role in Russia-Ukraine conflict: While not actively seeking involvement, President Aliyev indicated Azerbaijan's readiness to play a role in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, given its diverse connections and support for territorial integrity and sovereignty.

8. Response to PACE travel ban: President Aliyev addressed the travel ban imposed on Azerbaijani delegation members by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), stating it would be lifted upon the return of Azerbaijan’s delegation and condemning the sanctions as unjust.