BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 13. The 4th Shusha
Global Media Forum has once again demonstrated that President of
the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is regarded as one of the
most visionary political leaders of our time.
At the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, President Ilham Aliyev
once again made important statements reflecting Azerbaijan’s
position on the global agenda, its strategic vision, and the
country’s growing influence. In his speech at the forum, the head
of state clearly defined Azerbaijan’s global agenda: “Global agenda
is development, sustainable development, reconstruction,
restoration of Garabagh, finalization of all our projects, which
will lead to new transportation routes and
connectivity.” At the same time, the head of state
also highlighted the advancement of digital transformation and
artificial intelligence as one of Azerbaijan’s main development
goals. This demonstrated our country’s determination to keep pace
with global technological trends and respond to contemporary
challenges in the information sphere.
One of the most notable moments of President Ilham Aliyev’s
speech at the forum was his statement recognizing Azerbaijan as a
“middle power.” The head of state noted that experts already view
Azerbaijan as a middle-class state, emphasizing: “This terminology
means recognition of the country's potential, its ability to defend
its national interests, regardless what big powers think or
do.”
Azerbaijan’s achievements and strategic prospects in global
transportation and logistics projects were among the key topics of
discussion at the 4th Global Media Forum in Shusha. The Middle
Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR)) has
become one of the most optimal options for organizing sustainable
logistics between East and West in Eurasia. Compared to 2019, there
has been a fivefold increase in the volume of cargo transported via
the Middle Corridor. The rapid growth in freight volumes attests to
Azerbaijan’s growing influence along this route. With the
commissioning of the Zangezur Corridor, an additional 15 million
metric tons of cargo is expected to be transported annually via the
Middle Corridor.
Global transport and logistics projects, such as the Middle
Corridor and the Zangezur Corridor, are transforming Azerbaijan
into a Eurasian transport hub, further enhancing the country’s
economic potential and international significance.
Finally, Azerbaijan’s foreign policy, based on honesty and
reliability, has earned trust not only at the regional level but
also globally. The Fourth Shusha Global Media Forum has once again
demonstrated our country’s growing influence, reputation, and
strong standing. This demonstrates that Azerbaijan’s head of state
is recognized as one of the most visionary political leaders of our
time.
Zaur Ibrahimli — Member of the Board of Directors of the
Azerbaijan National NGO Forum.
