Khankendi, July 19 — During a wide-ranging address at the III Shusha Global Media Forum, held under the theme “Digital Transitions: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI,” Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev delivered a series of pointed remarks on both domestic and foreign policy issues. From the peace process with Armenia to relations with Russia, the United States, and the European Union, Aliyev used the high-profile forum to underscore Azerbaijan’s evolving role as a proactive regional player.
Peace with Preconditions
Aliyev reiterated that a final peace agreement with Armenia hinges on two critical conditions: first, amendments to the Armenian Constitution, which currently references the goal of unification with Nagorno-Karabakh — language that Baku considers a legal claim on its territory. Second, the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group, which Azerbaijan sees as obsolete following Armenia’s recognition of Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. “These are not symbolic demands,” Aliyev said. “They are necessary for moving toward genuine peace.”
Russia: Cooperation with Tensions
The Azerbaijani leader emphasized that relations with Moscow remain rooted in the 2022 Moscow Declaration, which outlines allied cooperation in political, economic, and defense sectors. However, he sharply criticized Russia over the fatal crash of an Embraer E-190 jet in Russian airspace last December, which killed 38 Azerbaijani citizens. Aliyev demanded a full investigation and accountability, describing the incident as a “diplomatic crisis” that led Baku to close the Russian cultural center and protest arrests of Azerbaijani nationals in Yekaterinburg.
Still, he stressed that Azerbaijan remains open to dialogue — provided it is based on mutual respect and international law.
A Message to Ukraine
Aliyev responded to a Ukrainian journalist by encouraging Kyiv not to concede occupied territories. Referring to Azerbaijan’s own experience reclaiming Karabakh, he stated, “Sometimes you have to create new realities — and others will have to accept them.” While Baku has avoided joining anti-Russian sanctions, it continues to support Ukraine politically and through humanitarian assistance.
Washington Signals and “Good News”
Aliyev described Azerbaijan’s relationship with the United States as holding “great potential,” citing recent positive signals from Washington. He also acknowledged the renewed attention of former President Donald Trump to South Caucasus affairs, suggesting that “good news may be coming soon.” Although details remain sparse, the comment hints at possible U.S. engagement in regional diplomacy or infrastructure initiatives.
Balanced Diplomacy with Brussels
While the European Union was not mentioned explicitly, Aliyev’s remarks reinforced Azerbaijan’s multi-vector foreign policy, which includes ongoing engagement with Brussels on energy, transport, and economic development.
Zangezur Corridor: Red Lines and Sovereignty
Addressing the Zangezur Corridor, Aliyev called it a “strategic artery” for regional transit along the North-South transport corridor. He confirmed that Azerbaijan’s segment of the route — extending to the Armenian and Iranian borders — is progressing on schedule and is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
In a pointed rebuke to recent proposals that third parties (such as the U.S. or EU) could manage the corridor’s Armenian stretch, Aliyev declared: “There will be no foreign operator or external oversight on Azerbaijani soil. Our citizens must have unhindered access across their own country — without facing Armenian border control.”
Post-Karabakh Priorities: From Conflict to Connectivity
Aliyev painted a vision of Azerbaijan transitioning from a security-focused state to a regional diplomatic and economic leader. With territorial issues largely resolved, Baku is now prioritizing infrastructure development, regional integration, and investment attraction. He framed the return of Karabakh as a “historic victory” that unlocks “new horizons” for the country’s foreign and domestic agendas.
“We have shifted from information and military campaigns to a diplomacy of construction, connectivity, and collaboration,” Aliyev stated. “This is Azerbaijan’s new role — not just as a regional actor, but as a proactive contributor to global stability.”
Strategic Outlook
The Khankendi forum served as more than a press conference — it was a statement of intent. From peacebuilding and strategic infrastructure to balancing great-power diplomacy, Azerbaijan is no longer content to react to regional dynamics. Instead, as Aliyev made clear, it intends to shape them.
In a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, Baku is emerging as a strategic fulcrum in Eurasia — committed to asserting its interests while remaining open to constructive partnerships across the East-West divide.
