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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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 4 July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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China said on Saturday it had launched a coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, prompting a strong protest from Taipei, which accused Beijing of illegally expanding its authority and undermining regional stability.
Armenia's parliament has passed a new law raising the requirements for citizens living abroad to vote in national elections, following concerns over alleged efforts to influence last month's parliamentary vote through Armenian citizens residing in Russia.
India is investigating a data breach at Tata Electronics that exposed sensitive documents linked to Apple's unreleased iPhone 18 Pro, marking the government's first public comments on the incident.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has raised its forecast for the rapid emergence of a strong El Niño, warning the climate pattern is likely to drive higher global temperatures and intensify extreme weather in the months ahead.
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen Iranian funds. Both sides are expected to meet again after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
International politicians and religious leaders have paid respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei throughout the day, ahead of his six day funeral ceremony which begins on Saturday. His casket is currently on display at the Iman Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran.
Eight Buddhist monks were killed and more than 20 others injured after an 11-year-old boy driving his parents' pickup truck ploughed into a religious procession in north-eastern Thailand, police said.
Armenia's parliament has passed a new law raising the requirements for citizens living abroad to vote in national elections, following concerns over alleged efforts to influence last month's parliamentary vote through Armenian citizens residing in Russia.
International politicians and religious leaders have paid respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei throughout the day, ahead of his six day funeral ceremony which begins on Saturday. His casket is currently on display at the Iman Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran.
Georgia’s only oil refinery will stop using Russian crude oil by September to preserve access to Western markets, its operator has said.
Iran has begun talks with Japan about selling oil to Japanese companies, according to Iranian and Western sources. The discussions come less than a month after the U.S. eased decades-old sanctions on Iranian oil as part of efforts to secure a final peace deal with Tehran.
At least 40 people were killed after a passenger bus plunged off a highway into a ravine in southwestern Pakistan, officials said on Friday (3 July).
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