President Ilham Aliyev Shares Strategic Vision at Shusha Global Media Forum

At the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, President Ilham Aliyev addressed participants with remarks covering Azerbaijan’s climate vision, regional connectivity, and post-conflict reconstruction.

A Commitment to Climate Realism

President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s environmentally conscious path, describing it as “ecologically sound.”
“We do not use coal or fuel oil to produce electricity,” he said, highlighting Azerbaijan’s reliance on hydropower, natural gas, and growing solar capabilities.

By 2030, Azerbaijan plans to generate at least 6 gigawatts of green energy, including from more than 30 small hydropower stations already operational in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur.

The president also stressed the need for realism in climate action:
“Without oil and gas, the world cannot function in the foreseeable future. Planes can’t fly. Economies will stall.”

He noted that Azerbaijan has pledged $10 million to support small island developing states facing existential climate threats. The country also played a key role in securing agreement on Article 6 at COP29 — resolving a decade-long stalemate on carbon markets.

Restoration and Symbolism in Khankendi

President Aliyev highlighted the symbolic transformation of Khankendi, where the ECO Summit of Heads of State was held in a newly built Congress Hall, erected on the site of a former separatist building.

“This hall now receives presidents, not separatists,” he said. A hotel is also under construction nearby, and the area has been renamed Victory Square.

Renovation is underway to convert the former separatist OPCOM building into a museum, marking a new chapter for the city.

Zangezur Corridor: A New Direction in North–South Connectivity

President Aliyev said Azerbaijan estimates the initial capacity of the Zangezur Corridor at 15 million tonnes of cargo. He noted that construction of the railway is nearly complete up to the border junction with Armenia and Iran, and the Azerbaijani section is expected to be finished by spring next year.

“The realisation of the Zangezur Corridor will essentially open a new branch of the North–South corridor,” he said.

“This is not only the often-mentioned route through Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to Rasht, but also a path through Eastern Zangezur and other parts of the region, linking to Iran and then on to Türkiye. It opens up major prospects for expanding freight flows.”

A Platform for Open Dialogue

The president described the Shusha Global Media Forum as an emerging tradition.
“With each year, we see more participants and wider geographic representation,” he noted.

He emphasised that such platforms must not only address media topics, but also engage with pressing global issues:
“There is a strong need for open discussion, in an open environment.”

On Ukraine and Territorial Resistance

Responding to a question from a Ukrainian journalist, President Aliyev shared Azerbaijan’s principle of resistance:
“My answer is the same: never, never give in. Never reconcile with the violation of your territorial integrity. This is how we achieved results.”

He underscored the importance of resilience, stating that Azerbaijan’s determination was key to restoring its territorial integrity.

Regional Stability and Trust as Foundations for Connectivity

Following the resolution of the Karabakh conflict, the prospects for stability, security, and regional development have become clearer and more attainable, President Ilham Aliyev said during a meeting with participants of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum.

He noted that these conditions play a crucial role in advancing regional connectivity projects.
“A country cannot become a transit hub without strong ties with its neighbours,” the president stated. “In fact, we must also maintain good relations with the neighbours of our neighbours.”

Aliyev added that Azerbaijan has pursued active diplomacy and built a reputation as a reliable partner.
“Over the past decade, we have focused on building trust. We have shown that our word carries as much weight as our signature — and this continues to be the case today,” he said.

Renewed optimism for U.S.–Azerbaijani ties under President Trump

President Ilham Aliyev expressed optimism about a new chapter in U.S.–Azerbaijan relations following President Donald Trump’s return to office. He said recent interactions with the Trump administration clearly show that the two countries are “back to normal relations” after a period of tension under President Biden.

Aliyev criticised the previous administration’s stance, particularly the reimposition of sanctions first introduced in 1992 due to what he described as “fake news” shaped by pro-Armenian lobbying. He noted that despite Azerbaijan’s support for U.S. missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, relations deteriorated as a result of what he called unfriendly steps.

Now, with encouraging signals from Washington and a foundation of shared values, Aliyev sees strong potential for renewed cooperation in areas such as energy, security, and connectivity. He expressed confidence that upcoming milestones will further elevate the partnership.

Support for Africa in climate fight

President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to supporting African countries in the fight against climate change, calling it a key priority on the country’s agenda. Speaking in his capacity as COP29 President, Aliyev said Azerbaijan would establish a special cooperation format with small island developing states, which face existential threats due to rising sea levels. “We understand this reality, because their very survival depends on ocean levels,” he stressed.

President Aliyev on AZAL plane incident

During the Shusha Global Media Forum, President Ilham Aliyev responded to a question about the AZAL aircraft that crashed seven months ago. He expressed regret that no official response had been received from Russian authorities. “We know exactly what happened, and so do they,” he said. The president called for accountability, including an admission of fault, punishment of those responsible, and compensation for the victims’ families and for damages to the aircraft. “Our demand is natural,” he added.
 

A Victory That Proved Justice Is Possible

Reflecting on Azerbaijan’s path to victory, President Ilham Aliyev told participants at the Shusha Global Media Forum that the country’s experience demonstrates that justice can be achieved — but only through persistent effort and sacrifice.

“Our just and resolute victory shows that justice does exist — one must simply strive to attain it,” he said. “It requires daily effort and commitment to bring that victory closer. And especially if the final decision depends on you, you must dedicate your life to it. Only then can it happen.”

President Aliyev said the unwavering unity of Azerbaijani society was a crucial factor. “Consolidation of society was the most important element,” he noted. “Such unity gave me moral strength as President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief. I was confident that the people stood behind me — and that, perhaps, was one of the decisive factors.”
 

Call for a Stronger Economic Cooperation Organization

President Ilham Aliyev underscored the need to enhance the role and efficiency of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), calling for more robust collaboration among member states.

“There is a need for a stronger and more effective Economic Cooperation Organization,” he said during his address at the Shusha Global Media Forum.

President Aliyev noted that while some member states actively support bilateral partnerships, others are less engaged. He reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to multilateral formats of cooperation, expressing confidence that the country’s efforts as ECO Chair would be appreciated.

“Azerbaijan is currently fulfilling its duties as Chair,” he said. “I am confident that these efforts will yield positive results.”
 

Expanding Trade and Green Energy Ties with China

President Ilham Aliyev revealed that Azerbaijan and China have ambitious plans to significantly expand bilateral trade. Speaking at the Shusha Global Media Forum, he highlighted the growing volume of freight transiting from Chinese cities to Azerbaijan and further west.

“There is tremendous potential in this area. Container trains are already traveling from many Chinese cities to Azerbaijan and through Azerbaijan to the West. Their number is growing by tens of percent each year,” he said. “I believe this volume will multiply in the near future.”

President Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s early support for President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, noting that the country has built the transport and logistics infrastructure needed to serve as a key link in the project.

He also pointed to deepening cooperation in green energy. “Chinese companies are actively involved as contractors in solar power plant projects. The solar panels purchased by investing companies are of Chinese origin,” he said. “And more recently, we have also started cooperating with Chinese companies in the field of green energy production—both solar and wind. Relevant agreements have already been signed, and I believe this will be a valuable addition to our mutually beneficial cooperation.”

Reflections on Artificial Intelligence and Core Values

President Ilham Aliyev shared a personal reflection on artificial intelligence during his meeting with participants at the Shusha Global Media Forum, noting that he does not currently use AI himself.

“I do not use artificial intelligence myself. But some of my family members do, and they sometimes inform me about it. Perhaps one day I will use it too,” he said.

He acknowledged the rapid rise of AI and its growing adoption across societies, while emphasising the need to safeguard traditional principles. “The spread of artificial intelligence is progressing so rapidly that the number of users will inevitably grow. The main thing is that AI does not steer us away from the values we know,” President Aliyev stressed.

On France and New Caledonia: A Call Against Neo-Colonialism

Commenting on recent developments in the Pacific, President Ilham Aliyev described the events between France and New Caledonia as a turning point.

“What happened between France and New Caledonia is a historical precedent. I think it's not the end of the story. It is the beginning,” he said during his remarks at the Shusha Global Media Forum.

He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s principled stance on neo-colonialism, noting that the country’s advocacy is rooted in its leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement.

“Our position on the issues related to neo-colonialism is very clear and straightforward. It is absolutely free from any bilateral agenda, as some may think or as some may present it like that,” President Aliyev said. “As the chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, from the very first year of our chairmanship, we were advocating for decolonization and for independence of colonial areas and for justice, for implementation of decisions of international organizations.”

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