Azerbaijan as a Middle Power: Ilham Aliyev Presented a New Foreign Policy Doctrine at the Shusha Media Forum - PHOTOS

On July 13-14, the IV Shusha Global Media Forum was held in the cultural capital of our country, the central event of which was the speech by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

The head of state effectively presented a new concept of the country's foreign policy, indicating a qualitative change in Azerbaijan's role in the system of international relations.

The main thesis of his speech was the statement that "Azerbaijan is becoming and has even already become a middle power." The President emphasized that such an assessment is already present in the research of foreign analytical centers, noting: "I am familiar with numerous analyses by various international institutions that qualify Azerbaijan precisely as a middle power." In essence, Baku no longer views itself exclusively as a state shaping the politics of the South Caucasus, but positions itself as an independent center of power capable of influencing processes in the South Caucasus, Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Undoubtedly, such a transformation became possible thanks to the restoration of the country's territorial integrity, the strengthening of military, economic, and diplomatic potential, as well as a consistent policy of strategic independence, writes the newspaper "Kaspi". "We must rely only on our own strength, on our own people and our own state," Ilham Aliyev emphasized, designating this principle as the foundation of Azerbaijan's modern foreign policy. It is precisely the ability to independently ensure security, pursue an independent course, and maintain relations with various centers of power that the President considers one of the key attributes of a middle power.

Special attention was given to Azerbaijan's international role as a supplier of energy resources and a crucial transport and logistics hub of Eurasia. The President noted that the country's significance is no longer determined solely by hydrocarbon exports, but also by its ability to ensure the sustainability of international energy and transport chains. "Today, the energy security of many countries is directly linked to Azerbaijan," the head of state emphasized. Thus, transport connectivity, diplomatic activity, military independence, and Azerbaijan's role as a connecting link between Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East are added to the traditional factors of influence.

The main thing is not to betray one's principles

One of the most discussed parts of the Azerbaijani President's speech was his assessment of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Reaffirming unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, Ilham Aliyev stated: "We have always supported and will continue to support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," and also added: "I would never have agreed to occupation. And I would never advise the Ukrainians to agree to it either." At the same time, Ilham Aliyev noted