BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 13. Regional security
remains a central priority of Azerbaijan’s state policy, political
analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.
While commenting on the speech delivered by President Ilham
Aliyev at the 13th Global Baku Forum, Garayev noted that the
president’s remarks reflected the logical outcome of the complex
political and military stages Azerbaijan has experienced in recent
decades.
He added that the country’s long period under occupation, the
struggle to restore its territorial integrity, and the transition
to the post-conflict period have made security one of the central
directions of state policy.
“In this regard, the head of state’s speech at the forum can be
viewed not only as an assessment of the current situation but also
as the presentation of the outlines of Azerbaijan’s future regional
strategy,” he said.
Garayev emphasized that one of the key points of the speech was
the presentation of security not only in military terms but as a
broader concept. According to him, stability, energy security,
economic cooperation, transport corridors, and political dialogue
are closely interconnected elements, and disruption of any of them
could negatively affect the overall security environment.
He noted that this approach corresponds to the widely recognized
model of “comprehensive security” in modern international relations
and demonstrates that Azerbaijan is building its policy on this
framework.
Furthermore, Garayev also highlighted that President Ilham
Aliyev's emphasis on the transition from conflict to peace was
particularly notable.
“Azerbaijan first restored its territorial integrity by military
means and then began working to ensure stability in the region
through political and diplomatic tools. This demonstrates that
Baku’s strategy is not only about achieving victory but also about
building long-term peace. As the head of state noted, once peace is
achieved, stability along the border, restoration of economic ties,
and the formation of mutual trust will mark the beginning of a new
stage in the region. This approach positions Azerbaijan as an actor
contributing to regional stability.
The remarks made in the speech regarding the activities of
international organizations and the inconclusive nature of the
negotiation process that persisted for many years can also be
interpreted as a political message. President Ilham Aliyev, drawing
attention to the limited effectiveness of mediation institutions,
emphasized that bilateral dialogue offers a more productive
framework. This stance suggests that Azerbaijan may increasingly
prioritize direct negotiations in addressing regional issues in the
future, while also reflecting the country’s intention to pursue a
policy grounded in strategic autonomy and reliance on its own
capabilities,” he said.
Garayev stressed that energy security also formed an important
part of the speech.
“President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan is not only
an energy producer but also a reliable partner, highlighting the
country’s growing role in the international market. The expansion
of gas exports, the growing number of countries cooperating with
Azerbaijan, and the widening geography of pipeline supplies were
presented as factors strengthening the country’s strategic
importance.
This also demonstrates that Azerbaijan views its energy policy
not merely as a source of economic revenue but as an integral
component of national security. Transport and logistics corridors
were likewise highlighted as one of the key themes of the speech.
The head of state emphasized Azerbaijan’s strategic role along the
East-West and North-South routes, noting that the country has
increasingly emerged as a regional transit hub. In particular,
plans to open new communication lines and strengthen connectivity
among countries in the region indicate that Azerbaijan favors a
model of economic integration in the post-conflict period. This
approach also reflects official Baku’s view that lasting stability
can be reinforced not only through political agreements, but also
through the development of shared economic interests,” he said.
Garayev emphasized that the overall content of the speech shows
that Azerbaijan currently prioritizes three key directions:
security, energy cooperation, and regional connectivity.
"These three priorities are presented as complementary elements
that form the foundation of Azerbaijan’s long-term development
strategy. The emphasis President Ilham Aliyev places on these
issues on an international platform, such as a global forum,
underscores the country’s intention to share its experience with
the international community while simultaneously promoting a new
model of regional cooperation. Overall, the speech reflects
Azerbaijan’s effort to base its post-conflict policy not only on
the element of power, but also on diplomacy, economic
collaboration, and regional integration. This approach demonstrates
that the country is committed not only to safeguarding its national
interests, but also to fostering a durable environment of stability
and security in the South Caucasus," the analyst concluded.
Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News
Agency's WhatsApp channel
