Copenhagen: On October 2, the 7th Summit of the European Political Community in Copenhagen served as a strategic platform for discussing key issues on the global political agenda, including security, energy, and cooperation. The participation of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in the summit became another manifestation of Azerbaijan’s growing role in European political processes and its active international diplomacy. His visit was not merely symbolic; it clearly demonstrated Azerbaijan’s diplomatic course based on peace, cooperation, and strategic partnership.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Copenhagen was marked by numerous meetings with heads of state and government from various countries, showcasing Azerbaijan’s strategy of building multifaceted relations both regionally and globally. The discussions primarily focused on supporting the regional peace process, Azerbaijan’s role in Europe’s energy security, and the expansion of bilateral economic and humanitarian ties.
One of the key directions of these meetings was the promotion of the regional peace agenda. President Ilham Aliyev’s talks with the leaders of France, Armenia, and other partner countries, as well as the support expressed for the Washington Peace Declaration, demonstrated that European political centers recognize Azerbaijan’s peace agenda and view this process as essential for regional stability. The direct dialogues with Armenia and the political backing of European countries for this process confirmed that the new geopolitical realities shaped by Azerbaijan in the region are being acknowledged internationally.
Energy security in Europe held a particularly prominent place in the discussions. President Ilham Aliyev’s meetings with EU leaders and the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy underscored Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable partner and strategic player in supplying energy to Europe. Based on the Strategic Partnership Declaration in the energy field signed in 2022, Azerbaijan has successfully fulfilled its commitments to increase gas exports and reach 20 billion cubic meters by 2027, a development highly appreciated by Europe’s political elite. This underlined that Azerbaijan is not only an energy exporter but also an integral part of the continent’s stability and security architecture.
At the same time, the meetings also focused on diversifying economic partnerships and exploring new investment opportunities. Discussions with the leaders of the Netherlands, Italy, and other countries outlined concrete prospects for cooperation in shipping, agriculture, industry, education, and culture. This highlights that economic diplomacy is a priority direction in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy and signals a new stage in the country’s integration into the European economic system.
Strengthening humanitarian ties was another key dimension of the Copenhagen meetings. In particular, discussions with Ukraine emphasized Azerbaijan’s humanitarian initiatives and its support to civilians, especially children, affected by war. These efforts strengthened Azerbaijan’s image in European public opinion as a humane and responsible partner.
Sultan Zahidov, leading advisor at the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) and a political analyst, told APA that President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Copenhagen and the meetings he held demonstrated the international recognition of Azerbaijan’s regional peace agenda and the new geopolitical realities it has created, significantly contributing to the strengthening of bilateral relations. Zahidov noted the significance of President Aliyev’s bilateral meetings and the congratulatory messages on the Washington Peace Declaration, indicating that European countries acknowledge and respect the new geopolitical realities created by Azerbaijan in the region.
According to Zahidov, Azerbaijan’s regular participation in the summits of the European Political Community demonstrates that the country has become not only a regional power in the South Caucasus but also a key actor in addressing fundamental global challenges. The summit highlighted Azerbaijan’s decisive role in Europe’s energy security, as emphasized by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orb¡n.
Mr. Zahidov emphasized that Azerbaijan’s active participation in the European Political Community is a clear indicator of President Ilham Aliyev’s high standing and the great respect he enjoys in Europe, as well as the positive international image Azerbaijan has established. Azerbaijan’s efforts to shape a peace agenda and promote global peace initiatives are closely followed by the international community, further solidifying its growing political weight.
Thus, the Copenhagen visit can be viewed not merely as another international event but as a significant political milestone symbolizing Azerbaijan’s transition to a new stage within the system of international relations. This visit once again confirmed that Azerbaijan is pursuing a foreign policy based on clear strategic priorities and holds a key position on the regional stability, energy security, economic cooperation, and global humanitarian agenda.