President Ilham Aliyev delivered his New Year address, reflecting on the significant accomplishments of 2024 while addressing pressing challenges in the South Caucasus.
The president highlighted what he described as Azerbaijan's diplomatic and political success in affirming new geopolitical realities in the region. However, he expressed concern about Armenia's actions, which could potentially destabilise the fragile peace that has been achieved.
"We affirmed these new realities diplomatically, internationally, and politically. The entire world has accepted these new realities. Therefore, Armenia's large-scale rearmament campaign, I believe, poses a new threat to the region. If we were to identify the most concerning issue for us this year, it would undoubtedly be Armenia's rearmament. There is no logical explanation for this," stated President.
In his address, President Aliyev strongly criticised what he referred to as Armenia's ongoing military build-up, warning that it could undermine peace efforts and escalate tensions in the region. He reminded the audience of the devastating consequences of past conflicts and urged Armenia to abandon what he termed a "dangerous path."
The president reiterated Azerbaijan's readiness to defend its sovereignty and prevent any possible threats to regional stability.
"Thus, I reiterate: while there is still time, they must turn back from this dangerous path. The South Caucasus must be a region of peace, tranquillity, and cooperation. Armenia's large-scale and rapid rearmament and the procurement of lethal weapons could undermine this peace, the possible peace. And I must emphasise that Azerbaijan will not merely act as a spectator regarding this matter. The 30 years of occupation, destruction, the devastation of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, the Khojaly genocide, and the displacement of one million of our people due to Armenia’s actions will never be erased from our memory. We will never forget this. Armenia’s aggressive policies and their nature must always be considered. Thus, once again, I find it necessary to issue another warning to Armenia's leadership: refrain from this dangerous path."
President Aliyev concluded his address by stating that despite numerous challenges and external pressures, the country has successfully restored its territorial integrity and strengthened its sovereignty.
The head of state shared an optimistic outlook for the future, encouraging unity and solidarity among Azerbaijanis while extending heartfelt holiday greetings to the nation and the diaspora.
"Azerbaijan has been advancing confidently, successfully, and with dignity. These years have not been without challenges, trials, and wars. There have been unfounded accusations against us, but none of these could divert us from our path. We have restored our territorial integrity, despite the wishes of global powers. We have restored our state sovereignty, once again defying the will of major powers, and we govern our country with confidence. Those who seek to hinder us will face failure once again," Aliyev said.
"Dear compatriots,
Today is the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis. I wholeheartedly congratulate all Azerbaijanis around the world on this occasion. I wish my dear people good health, prosperity, happiness, and success. Happy Holidays!"
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Severe drought in Syria this year is threatening about 75% of local wheat crops, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns, risking food shortages for millions.
A major naval operation ended Monday in the Baltic Sea, involving 12 warships and 19 teams of divers and underwater drone operators from 13 NATO countries.
People in Damascus expressed relief and cautious optimism on Tuesday night after the European Union announced it would lift economic sanctions on Syria, following a similar decision by the United States last week.
Foreign ministers from member and observer states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) came together in Budapest for a pre-summit meeting held ahead of the organization’s informal summit.
The US State Department has given the green light for a potential $100 million sale of AW-119Kx helicopters and related equipment to Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to a statement from the Pentagon on Tuesday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Tensions flare in the India-France Rafale deal as France refuses to share the fighter jet’s source code, limiting India’s ability to integrate indigenous weapons and reducing its combat autonomy.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet behind closed doors at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace at 10:00 local time today to explore security guarantees, territorial integrity and a possible ceasefire.
EU approves 17th Russia sanctions, blacklisting almost 200 shadow‑fleet ships, 30 evasion firms and 75 defence figures, banning missile chemicals and arming Brussels to strike Kremlin hybrid and operations.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán reaffirmed strong bilateral ties and strategic cooperation ahead of the upcoming Turkic States Summit.
Azerbaijan’s AERA and Moldova’s ANRE signed a memorandum to strengthen cooperation in energy regulation and regional resilience.
During President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Budapest, Uzbekistan and Hungary agreed on over €1.5 billion in new joint projects and outlined further cooperation in trade, finance, and culture.
Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation in trade, transport, energy, and regional initiatives.
Severe drought in Syria this year is threatening about 75% of local wheat crops, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns, risking food shortages for millions.
A major naval operation ended Monday in the Baltic Sea, involving 12 warships and 19 teams of divers and underwater drone operators from 13 NATO countries.
People in Damascus expressed relief and cautious optimism on Tuesday night after the European Union announced it would lift economic sanctions on Syria, following a similar decision by the United States last week.
Foreign ministers from member and observer states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) came together in Budapest for a pre-summit meeting held ahead of the organization’s informal summit.
The US State Department has given the green light for a potential $100 million sale of AW-119Kx helicopters and related equipment to Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to a statement from the Pentagon on Tuesday.
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