BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. President Ilham
Aliyev's participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum should be
viewed not just as another working visit, but more broadly as an
indicator of Azerbaijan's growing role in the international system,
Deputy Director General of Trend News Agency Rufiz Hafizoglu told AZERTAG.
He noted that the forum has become one of the key platforms for
global political dialogue in recent years, with the ideas and
discussions held here directly influencing the shaping of future
political directions.
It's no secret that the world is not the same as it once was.
Wars, economic confrontations, rapid technological advancements,
and competition among major powers are forcing states to adopt more
cautious yet agile policies. The fact that this year's Antalya
Forum is dedicated to the theme "Mapping Tomorrow, Managing
Uncertainties" is no coincidence. The main issue today is not just
being strong, but also being able to adapt to changing
circumstances. Azerbaijan stands out as one of the countries that
has differentiated itself in this regard in recent years.
"Precisely, the liberation of Azerbaijan's territories as a
result of the 44-day war is a striking example of managing
uncertainties in mapping tomorrow.
In today's modern world, once unresolved conflicts have
gradually taken on an uncertain status and form.
President Ilham Aliyev's participation in this forum indicates
that Baku is now trying to have its say on a larger, global stage,
moving beyond a regional framework. Of course, this is not a new
development for official Baku. Azerbaijan has long pursued a
balanced foreign policy, which has enabled the country to maintain
relations with both the West and the East. This is a unique
advantage enjoyed by very few countries in today's complex era.
Furthermore, thanks to this policy, Baku has managed to establish
the "Azerbaijan Model in Diplomacy" within the Islamic world," said
Hafizoghlu.
According to the analyst, the Antalya Diplomacy Forum is also a
significant platform for the Turkic world. The strategic alliance
between Azerbaijan and Türkiye is more evident in such events. The
two countries are not only developing bilateral relations but are
also defending common interests across a broader geographical area.
This cooperation has begun to transcend regional boundaries,
gaining greater geopolitical significance.
One of the main topics of discussion at the forum is managing
uncertainty, and Azerbaijan's experience in this area draws
significant attention. Especially after recent events, the country
has shown its ability to quickly adapt to new realities. This
indicates that Azerbaijan doesn't merely react to the current
situation but also anticipates future risks. This approach is
precisely what is most needed in the modern world.
Another key discussion point is digitalization and artificial
intelligence, which have become integral parts of modern diplomacy.
Azerbaijan is also making efforts to keep up in this area. The
electronicization of public services and the implementation of
innovative management methods show the country's adaptability to
the new era. Diplomacy is no longer limited to meetings and
statements; technology has become an essential tool in this
process.
Energy issues, which were also part of the discussion, remain
one of Azerbaijan's strongest areas. For many years, the country
has played a vital role in Europe's energy security. However, what
stands out is that Azerbaijan is not limited to oil and gas. The
emphasis on green energy projects in recent years shows that Baku
is thinking about the future. The development of the Karabakh and
Eastern Zangezur regions as green energy zones holds particular
significance in this regard.
In addition to all this, Azerbaijan actively participates in the
creation of international dialogue platforms. Organizing various
forums and promoting intercultural dialogue are part of the
country's soft power strategy. This enhances Azerbaijan's influence
not only in political areas but also in diplomacy and humanitarian
affairs.
"As it's known, security issues will also be discussed at the
forum. Regarding security, the new situation in the region in
recent years has further increased Azerbaijan's role. In the
post-conflict period, Baku, which has initiated peace efforts, now
plays an active role in the formation of a more stable and
predictable region. This approach creates new opportunities for
economic and political cooperation in the future.
Climate change and sustainable development issues have also
gained increasing importance, and official Baku has been highly
selective in this regard. Azerbaijan is actively involved in this
area and is trying to reduce future risks by investing in
alternative energy projects. This shows that the country is not
only concerned with the present but also takes the long-term
perspective into account," Hafizoglu added.
