Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev delivered a keynote speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 25 September, highlighting the country’s path from conflict to peace, reconstruction efforts, and its growing role in regional connectivity and energy security.

President Aliyev recounted nearly three decades of Armenian occupation over approximately 20 per cent of Azerbaijan’s territory. He detailed how ethnic cleansing and war crimes displaced one million Azerbaijanis and violated their basic human rights. The UN Security Council adopted four resolutions in 1993 demanding Armenia’s unconditional withdrawal, but these were never enforced.

The OSCE Minsk Group, established in 1992 to mediate the conflict, failed to deliver results. Instead of ensuring compliance with international law, its co-chairs sought to maintain the status quo and freeze the conflict.

After nearly thirty years of ineffective negotiations, in 2020 Azerbaijan exercised its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. During the 44-day Patriotic War, Azerbaijan’s forces restored its territorial integrity while adhering to international humanitarian law. Over 100 civilians were killed by Armenian attacks, which included ballistic missiles and cluster munitions.

10 November 2020 marked the official end of occupation, with Armenia’s capitulation restoring Azerbaijan’s sovereignty.

Peace Process and Diplomatic Initiatives

Following the war, Azerbaijan initiated negotiations with Armenia based on five key principles and a draft peace agreement. Between October 2022 and summer 2025, bilateral talks—free from external interference—achieved positive results.

On 8 August 2025, at the White House, Azerbaijan and Armenia initialled the peace agreement, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The same day, both countries signed a Joint Statement, and jointly requested the closure of the now obsolete OSCE Minsk Group, which the OSCE dissolved on 1 September.

Regional connectivity underpins Azerbaijan’s vision for lasting peace. One key outcome of the Washington Summit is the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP), ensuring unobstructed passage through the Zangezur corridor and strengthening regional connections.

Strengthening Azerbaijan-U.S. Relations

The Washington Summit also marked a new stage in Azerbaijan-U.S. relations. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to create a Strategic Working Group tasked with drafting a Strategic Partnership Charter. The agreement covers political, economic, energy, regional connectivity, defence, and security cooperation.

President Aliyev also welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s suspension of sanctions under Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act of 1992, calling it a historic step that strengthens bilateral trust and cooperation.

Reconstruction and Humanitarian Efforts

Azerbaijan has launched an extensive reconstruction programme in the territories liberated after the Patriotic War. During the occupation, Armenia destroyed hundreds of settlements and deliberately demolished 65 mosques. The “Great Return” programme has enabled more than 50,000 people to live, work, and study in these areas.

Landmines left behind remain a critical humanitarian concern. Since November 2020, over 400 civilians and military personnel have been killed or seriously injured. Additionally, nearly 4,000 Azerbaijanis remain missing from the early 1990s, requiring ongoing attention.

Azerbaijan continues to provide international humanitarian assistance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it donated protective equipment, medical devices, and vaccines to more than 80 countries.

Energy Security and Connectivity

Energy and regional connectivity remain central to Azerbaijan’s international strategy. The country exports natural gas to 14 nations, making it the leading supplier via pipeline. Recent cooperation with Syria has improved electricity access, with gas supplied through Turkish territory.

Azerbaijan also invests heavily in renewable energy, aiming for 40 per cent of energy production from solar, wind, and hydro by 2030. Transport and digital infrastructure projects, including the East-West and North-South corridors and the “Digital Silk Road,” position Azerbaijan as a regional hub for logistics and digital transformation.

Economic Growth and International Ratings

Beyond energy, Azerbaijan focuses on diversifying its economy and developing the non-oil sector. Poverty and unemployment have fallen to historic lows of 5 per cent. International credit rating agencies Moody’s and Fitch recently upgraded Azerbaijan’s rating, citing strong fiscal discipline, low debt, and a large sovereign fund.

Climate Leadership and Environmental Action

Azerbaijan hosted COP29, achieving key outcomes in climate finance and the green transition. The New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG), or Baku Finance Target, commits developed countries to increase annual climate finance to developing nations to at least $300 billion by 2035. Azerbaijan also finalised a long-awaited framework for carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and supported the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund.

President Aliyev also warned of environmental degradation in the Caspian Sea, calling for joint action by littoral states and cooperation with the UN to prevent further ecological damage.

A New Era for Azerbaijan

President Aliyev concluded by highlighting Azerbaijan’s achievements in ending occupation, securing peace, and implementing reconstruction. He emphasised the importance of international law, mutual respect, and cooperation, calling for a world where double standards are eliminated, justice is not selective, the rule of law is respected, and peace is realised through concrete action.

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