BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. The awarding of
the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026 to President Ilham Aliyev
highlights the international recognition of Azerbaijan’s peace
policy, its commitment to regional stability, and its steps to
establish a new geopolitical reality in the South Caucasus,
political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.
"The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is one of the most
prestigious humanitarian and moral honors in the modern world. The
award is given to leaders who advance peace, foster interfaith
dialogue, promote understanding between peoples, and support the
political resolution of conflicts. Inspired by the vision of the
late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, it champions dialogue over
violence, cooperation over confrontation, and mutual respect over
hatred. President Ilham Aliyev’s receipt of this prestigious honor
underscores that these principles have become central to
Azerbaijan’s political philosophy.
Decades of territorial occupation, mass displacement, and
prolonged conflict had plunged the region into instability. Yet,
under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership, Azerbaijan first
restored its territorial integrity and then deliberately chose the
path of peace and collaboration over revenge and retribution, a
decision that demanded political courage, strategic foresight, and
a profound sense of historical responsibility,” Garayev said.
According to him, the warm congratulations from numerous world
leaders at the award ceremony in Abu Dhabi highlighted the global
recognition of Azerbaijan’s commitment to peace and regional
stability.
"Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Kazakh President
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and
other influential world leaders hailed the peace agreement between
Azerbaijan and Armenia as a historic turning point. The accord was
presented as a transformative process capable of reshaping the
South Caucasus from a long-standing conflict zone into a hub of
cooperation. President Ilham Aliyev’s pivotal role in achieving
this breakthrough was widely highlighted. In his speech, the head
of state captured the essence of the award and the political
philosophy it represents, emphasizing that Azerbaijan and Armenia,
after decades of war, are now learning to live in peace, a process
that carries profound historical and psychological significance.
For societies emerging from conflict, peace is not merely a
political document but a shift in mindset, public relations, and
regional behavior. Azerbaijan’s deliberate choice of this
challenging path has earned the support of the international
community," he said.
The analyst stressed that Azerbaijan’s commitment to peace is
now proven by action, not just words.
“This political will is reinforced through concrete diplomatic
engagement. The recent meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Abu Dhabi on February 4
exemplified the dynamic and ongoing nature of the peace process.
The leaders assessed the implementation of agreements reached after
the Washington Peace Summit, highlighting tangible results,
resumption of trade, export of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia,
and transit shipments, all of which already demonstrate the
tangible dividends of peace,” he noted.
According to him, the opening of borders, the restoration of
transport and trade links, the promotion of mutual economic
cooperation, and the establishment of dialogue on humanitarian
issues all signal that official Baku is committed to long-term
stability in the region.
"The awarding of the 'Zayed Award for Human Fraternity' to
President Ilham Aliyev also marks a significant transformation in
Azerbaijan’s international image. The country is now recognized not
only as a key energy and transport hub, but also as a leader in
peace initiatives and a promoter of a culture of dialogue. Baku has
become a center for advancing intercultural and interreligious
dialogue on global platforms, a tradition further strengthened
under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership and now a cornerstone of
the nation’s foreign policy. This award sends a clear message:
conflicts can be resolved wherever there is political will.
Azerbaijan demonstrates that even disputes spanning decades can be
settled through negotiations, mutual recognition, and respect for
international law. The peace model championed by President Ilham
Aliyev, rooted in legality, realism, and shared interests, offers a
blueprint not only for the South Caucasus but for other conflict
zones around the world," Garayev said.
The political analyst highlighted that the recognition of
President Ilham Aliyev with the "Zayed Award for Human Fraternity"
underscores Azerbaijan’s strategic direction in recent years.
“This award affirms that peace is strength, reconciliation is
strategic foresight, not compromise. Today, Azerbaijan is turning a
new page in the region, favoring cooperation over conflict,
dialogue over hatred, and shared development over the burdens of
the past. President Ilham Aliyev’s political will and peace
initiatives are laying the foundation for this future,” he
added.
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