New york: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, delivered a speech at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, focusing on Azerbaijan’s journey from conflict to peace and its aspirations for future development.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Aliyev highlighted the historical context of Azerbaijan’s conflict with Armenia, which resulted in nearly 20% of Azerbaijani territory being occupied for almost three decades. He emphasized the failure of international mechanisms, such as the OSCE Minsk Group, to resolve the conflict and the necessity for Azerbaijan to reclaim its territories through military means in 2020. The President underscored that Azerbaijan adhered to international humanitarian law during the war and restored its territorial integrity in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
President Aliyev announced the signing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, initialed in Washington in the presence of leaders from both countries and the United States. This agreement marked a significant step towards regional stability and the closure of outdated mechanisms like the OSCE Minsk Group. He also discussed the establishment of the ‘Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity’ (TRIPP), aimed at enhancing regional connectivity through the Zangazur corridor.
The President highlighted Azerbaijan’s strategic partnership with the United States, facilitated by the recent Memorandum of Understanding and the lifting of sanctions under Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act. He acknowledged President Donald Trump’s role in fostering this partnership and supporting the peace process.
Aliyev also addressed Azerbaijan’s reconstruction efforts in liberated territories, which suffered extensive damage during the occupation. He outlined the challenges posed by landmine contamination and the humanitarian issue of missing Azerbaijanis since the early 1990s.
On the global stage, President Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to sustainable development, hosting COP29, and advancing climate action. He introduced the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), or Baku Finance Goal, which aims to increase annual climate finance from developed to developing countries. The President also discussed Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in energy security, supplying natural gas to multiple countries and investing in renewable energy sources.
Azerbaijan’s efforts to promote digital connectivity and economic diversification were highlighted, with major infrastructure projects and a focus on reducing poverty and unemployment. The President called for cooperation to address the environmental challenges facing the Caspian Sea and reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to global humanitarian assistance.
Concluding his speech, President Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan’s achievements in establishing peace and justice, expressing a willingness to share these experiences globally. He called for a world where international law prevails, and peace is achieved through concrete actions.