President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev gave an exclusive interview to Euronews during the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos on 20 January, reflecting on Azerbaijan’s strategy in a changing global order and the country’s evolving role in the South Caucasus and global energy markets.
President Aliyev emphasised that in today’s world, countries must base their policies on national potential while cultivating strong regional and international ties. He described Azerbaijan’s approach as pragmatic, focused on securing results that respect international law while advancing national interests.
Touching on the historic peace process with Armenia, the Azerbaijani president highlighted early progress in efforts to build cooperation.
“We have lived in peace only for five or six months; we are learning to do it… Today, the relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan is already evolving into cooperation,” he said.
President Ilham Aliyev outlined concrete steps to strengthen regional economic ties, noting that Azerbaijan has lifted cargo restrictions and begun supplying critical commodities, including oil products, to Armenia, turning decades of conflict into opportunities for collaboration.
Regional stability was a recurring theme throughout the discussion.
“Every country, including Azerbaijan, should think about stability around and beyond its borders… Stability, predictability, and peace in the region are the biggest assets,” the Azerbaijani President noted.
He also emphasised Azerbaijan’s growing energy significance, noting that the country now supplies natural gas to 16 countries, including 10 European Union member states, ensuring stable and predictable energy flows for European consumers.
“By this coverage, Azerbaijan is number one in the world.”
Addressing criticism from the European Parliament, President Aliyev said Azerbaijan is prioritising practical cooperation with the European Commission rather than engaging in political confrontation.
“We do not react any longer… We cooperate with the European Commission, and for us, it is enough,” he noted.
Following the interview, President of Azerbaijan took part in the “Azerbaijan Executive Breakfast,” meeting with international business leaders to discuss trade, investment and regional economic opportunities.
President Ilham Aliyev also participated in the panel titled “Defining Eurasia's Economic Identity” on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2026, on Tuesday, along with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, Limak Holding Chairperson Ebru Özdemir, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
The dialogue explored the shifting balance of influence and power in the Caucasus and Central Asia amid competing interests from East and West, focusing on emerging trade corridors, ambitious infrastructure projects, and heightened competition over resources.
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U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will “soon be reviewing” a new 14-point proposal sent by Iran, casting doubt on the chances of a deal after Tehran called for security guarantees, an end to naval blockades and a halt to the war across the region, including in Lebanon.
Ukraine has launched a new wave of drone strikes on Sunday (3 May) across Russia, hitting key infrastructure and causing casualties in several regions, officials on both sides said.
China has moved to block U.S. sanctions on five of its oil refineries, in a fresh escalation of tensions over trade and energy policy.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been taken to hospital in Iran after what her family described as a “catastrophic deterioration” in her health, including a severe cardiac crisis.
Minval Politika has released further footage it says shows former International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo discussing alleged funding behind campaigns linked to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters he was "not satisfied" with Iran's latest peace proposal, which was delivered to Washington via Pakistani mediators on Friday (1 May).
President Trump has issued a warning to the international community, claiming a nuclear-armed Iran would strike Israel "very quickly" before targeting Europe and the United States.
Ukraine is monitoring “unusual activity” along its border with Belarus, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video statement released on Saturday (2 May). He warned that Kyiv is ready to respond if necessary amid continued regional tensions linked to Russia’s war.
Hundreds of young people in South Korea have gathered in Seoul to take part in a city-backed “power nap contest”, aimed at drawing attention to the country’s chronic sleep deprivation.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been taken to hospital in Iran after what her family described as a “catastrophic deterioration” in her health, including a severe cardiac crisis.
President Donald Trump has said the United States could restart strikes on Iran “if they misbehave”, as he waits to review the full details of a new proposal from Tehran.
Tourism across Central Asia is expanding rapidly, with millions of visitors arriving each year as the region becomes an increasingly competitive global travel destination, though growth rates vary significantly between countries.
Baku will host the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) from 17 to 22 May, bringing together around 25,000 participants from 176 countries to address the global housing crisis and sustainable urban development.
Türkiye’s Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz is set to visit Armenia in early May to take part in the 8th European Political Community Summit, in what will be the highest-level Turkish visit to the country to date. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is reportedly expected to miss the forum.
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