Power of weaponry and diplomacy President Aliyev at the Baku Global Forum

The XII Global Baku Forum kicked off in Azerbaijan’s capital on March 13. In his welcoming speech, President Ilham Aliyev addressed the gathering, highlighting Azerbaijan’s international positioning, the challenges it faces, and the accomplishments it has achieved.

The president emphasized that the Global Baku Forum has become a key platform for discussing urgent global issues. He also reminded attendees that the COP29 climate conference, held in Baku last year, was hailed by experts as the "Baku breakthrough," underscoring Azerbaijan’s growing influence in global politics.

Additionally, President Aliyev pointed out that the hosting of such a significant event has been accompanied by disinformation campaigns in some Western media. He specifically mentioned the U.S. Department of State, the Washington Post, the New York Times, Newsweek, Politico, the Associated Press, as well as the administration of the French president and French newspapers Le Figaro and Le Monde as sources of fake news.

According to the president, the decision to hold COP29 in Baku is a recognition of Azerbaijan's responsible approach to energy security issues. He noted that the country is not only fully self-sufficient in energy resources but also actively exports electricity and natural gas. At present, Azerbaijani gas is supplied to 12 countries, 10 of which are European, strengthening the republic's status as a strategic partner of Europe in the energy sector.

Aliyev also pointed out that Azerbaijan led the Non-Aligned Movement for four years, which includes 120 countries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Baku provided humanitarian and financial assistance to more than 80 countries, demonstrating its commitment to the principles of international solidarity. Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan plays a key role in establishing dialogue between the Global South and the Global North.

The president also reminded of the years of occupation endured by Azerbaijan and the destruction caused by Armenian aggression. He emphasized that Azerbaijan has restored its territorial integrity, demonstrating strength and determination. Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan has been actively developing its military potential and, over the past 20 years, has built a powerful army that liberated the occupied territories.

Moreover, Ilham Aliyev criticized some Western politicians who support the Armenian diaspora at the expense of Azerbaijan. He named Robert Menendez, Adam Schiff, Frank Pallone, and Nancy Pelosi, accusing them of using financial resources from the Armenian diaspora to attack and discredit Azerbaijan. He also noted that former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had effectively destroyed U.S.-Azerbaijani relations, despite decades of cooperation, including Baku's participation in military missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Aliyev also criticized the European Union, calling Brussels the new "big brother" of Armenia. He stated that the European monitoring mission on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border is effectively engaging in espionage activities against Azerbaijan. The president also expressed concern that the weapons supplied to Armenia might be directed against Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that, despite the tragic events of the past, the country looks to the future and strives for sustainable peace in the South Caucasus. According to the head of state, Baku’s efforts are focused on establishing peace in the South Caucasus and advancing a peace agreement with Armenia, the majority of which has already been agreed upon.

Significantly, shortly after the Azerbaijani leader's speech, news broke that Azerbaijan and Armenia had agreed on the final two points of the peace agreement. This event confirmed that Baku not only succeeded in reclaiming its occupied lands through the use of force but also possesses strong political and diplomatic resources to advance a fair and constructive peace agenda aimed at preventing division lines in the South Caucasus region.

In conclusion, it is important to note that the Global Baku Forum is a unique platform for the exchange of opinions. It is worth mentioning that, in addition to current heads of state, the event is attended by a large number of former state leaders who continue to wield significant influence both in public life and within governmental circles in their home countries. The opportunity, on the one hand, to share one’s vision, agenda, and plans with these individuals, and on the other, to listen to the guests on emerging global trends in politics and economics, contributes to strengthening Azerbaijan's position on the international stage.