New york: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, addressed the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 25. He spoke about Azerbaijan’s journey from occupation to peace, highlighting the recent developments in the region, APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev emphasized the challenges Azerbaijan faced due to the military occupation by Armenia, which lasted nearly three decades. During this period, around one million Azerbaijanis were displaced, and their rights were violated. President Aliyev criticized the international community for failing to enforce four UN Security Council resolutions demanding Armenia’s withdrawal from occupied territories.
President Aliyev recounted the events of 2020 when Azerbaijan exercised its right to self-defense, leading to the restoration of its territorial integrity. The war, conducted in compliance with international humanitarian law, concluded with the signing of a peace agreement on November 10, 2020, marking Armenia’s capitulation and Azerbaijan’s victory.
He also shared developments following the conflict, including efforts to establish a peace treaty with Armenia. The negotiation process, which began in October 2022, culminated in a peace agreement signed in Washington with the presence of US President Donald Trump. This agreement led to the closure of the OSCE Minsk Group, deemed obsolete by both nations.
President Aliyev outlined Azerbaijan’s vision for regional connectivity, such as the ‘Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity’ and a new phase in Azerbaijan-US relations. An agreement between Azerbaijan and the US was also reached to establish a strategic partnership across various fields.
He also addressed Azerbaijan’s post-war reconstruction efforts, highlighting the return of displaced persons and infrastructure rebuilding. The President acknowledged the challenges posed by landmine contamination and missing persons from the conflict.
On a broader scale, President Aliyev discussed Azerbaijan’s commitment to global challenges, including climate change and energy security. He emphasized Azerbaijan’s role in hosting COP29 and its initiatives to advance sustainable solutions. The country has become a significant energy supplier, with plans to increase its renewable energy share to 40% by 2030.
President Aliyev concluded by expressing Azerbaijan’s dedication to humanitarian assistance and global cooperation, emphasizing the importance of peace, justice, and international law in building a better world.