Ten days, three summits, one vision Azerbaijan’s strategic diplomacy in October

Ten days… Is that a lot or a little? From a historical perspective, probably just a moment. Or even considerably less. Yet, at the same time, by those same historical standards, it is a span of time during which the most important geopolitical issues can be resolved, national interests defended, and a state’s steady progress toward new heights ensured.

These reflections become visible through the prism of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s significant participation during the first ten days of October in three major summits across different geographical latitudes with pressing agendas: the 7th Summit of the European Political Community (EPC) in Copenhagen; the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Gabala; and the Council of Heads of State of the CIS in Dushanbe. In each instance, the schedule was intense, the meetings crucial, and there was, undoubtedly, the need to convey Azerbaijan’s key messages to all relevant parties—not always those “inside” the respective events—with the clear objective of safeguarding the country’s national interests.

If we recall that the first ten days of October were preceded by an equally significant last ten days of September, the full picture becomes even more impressive. That period included President Ilham Aliyev’s meeting with the President of Rwanda; highly important bilateral meetings and his keynote address at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly; subsequent domestic trips, which featured participation in inaugurations of new facilities—most notably the Ganja Memorial Complex, where the President, on Remembrance Day, September 27, observed a moment of silence in honour of the martyrs of the Patriotic War—as well as the ceremonial opening of the 3rd CIS Games; the opening of a new park in Baku’s Narimanov district; and a busy schedule of meetings and events during the Italian President’s visit to Baku.

It is clear that this list of President Ilham Aliyev’s activities over just the past 20 days speaks for itself. Notably, on October 1—the day his visit to Denmark for the EPC summit began—he also, alongside the Italian President, took part in the inauguration of the first academic buildings of the Italian-Azerbaijani University in Baku.

A uniquely intense schedule, isn’t it? And even focusing solely on the first ten days of October, in Copenhagen, Gabala, and Dushanbe, discussions addressed issues of critical importance, shaping not only the European or Eurasian agenda but also global developments. This makes President Aliyev’s speeches at these events, as well as his informal discussions on the sidelines, historically significant.

For example, in New York, during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, we witnessed not only important nuances in President Ilham Aliyev’s speech but also the confirmation of the special format of relations between our president and White House host Donald Trump. In Copenhagen, however, it was the European leaders who took the initiative to engage in discussions with the head of state. These talks covered a variety of topics, including meetings with the President of France and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands—leaders whose desire to meet with President Ilham Aliyev speaks for itself. Meanwhile, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting the development of regional transport communications as a key priority for the EU, also discussed Baku’s role in ensuring Europe’s energy security.

Next came the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), during which President Aliyev formally noted the formation of the organization as a significant geopolitical center. He emphasised how shared historical and ethnic roots, along with common national and spiritual values, unite the member states as one family. Given the broad cooperation among OTS countries in military, defence, and security spheres, the President also proposed holding joint military exercises of the member states in Azerbaijan in 2026.

Following this, at the invitation of Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, the President of Azerbaijan flew to Dushanbe for the Council of CIS Heads of State meeting. Once again, the agenda featured crucial meetings that went beyond bilateral relations, as well as a significant address in which President Ilham Aliyev highlighted, among other things, the importance of strengthening relations based on equality, consideration of mutual interests, and reciprocal respect.

It is clear that one of the standout meetings in Dushanbe was President Aliyev’s discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The nature of this meeting confirmed the precision and careful planning of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy, which, as always, is grounded in the protection of national interests and a fair approach to any actions or decisions affecting Azerbaijan, without harming third parties.

In this way, it becomes evident that President Ilham Aliyev’s schedule is meticulously mapped out, minute by minute, with each moment serving the country’s interests. At the same time, his speeches clearly demonstrate that Azerbaijan continues to promote a peaceful agenda on the global stage, regardless of the platform. In doing so, Azerbaijan not only shares its own experience in this field but also offers concrete pathways for achieving peace across all regions of the world.