On June 5, 2024, a presentation of the brochure titled "President Ilham Aliyev's Foreign Policy Achievements 2003–2023" was held at the Center for Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center).
Addressing the meeting, Farid Shafiyev, the Chairman of the Board of the AIR Center, stated that the brochure systematically reflects the foreign policy initiatives, visits, meetings, and international projects implemented under President Ilham Aliyev's leadership from 2003 to 2023. He noted that President Ilham Aliyev has successfully continued the policies established by National Leader Heydar Aliyev:
"The results of the Second Karabakh War, the army-building processes throughout the 20-year-long period, and the steps taken in the direction of foreign policy are mentioned in the brochure. Yes, we have resolved the Karabakh issue on the battlefield. It should be noted that Azerbaijan did not face any objections from the international community during the war. The reasons for this were the resolutions adopted in the 1990s and the consistent steps taken in the diplomatic field since 2003. Azerbaijan has been very active in this regard."
Matin Mammadli, the leading advisor of the AIR Center, provided information about the brochure during his speech titled "The Path to Historic Victory: Azerbaijan's Greatest Success in Foreign Policy."
He noted that the brochure discusses the reasons behind the Second Karabakh War, the ineffective efforts of international mediators, negotiations with Armenia since the 2010s, and the shift in the military-political balance in favor of Azerbaijan. M. Mammadli pointed out that actions and statements by the Armenian government since 2018 have demonstrated that a peaceful resolution of the conflict is impossible.
“During the 44-day war, Azerbaijan liberated the territories previously occupied by Armenia, thereby restoring its territorial integrity. This initiative involved not only military operations but also engagements in information warfare, political maneuvering, and diplomatic negotiations. Azerbaijan undertook a multifaceted campaign against Armenia, deploying military, informational, political, and diplomatic strategies to achieve significant successes and affirm its rightful position. Following successful anti-terrorist operations in September 2023, Azerbaijan consolidated its sovereignty over these territories. Today, Azerbaijan serves as a leading example among post-Soviet states confronting similar challenges, having effectively resolved its territorial disputes.”
Later, Vasif Huseynov, the head of department at the AIR Center, made a presentation on "Azerbaijan's Multi-Vector Foreign Policy and Successful Integration into International Relations Systems."
He noted that Azerbaijan effectively implements a balanced, multi-faceted foreign policy strategy, which has been positively evaluated by international analysts.
"Neutrality and non-alignment serve as core principles of our foreign policy. Experts in geopolitics and diplomacy advocate these as optimal strategies for post-Soviet states situated amidst major powers in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan's balanced and multi-faceted foreign policy has positioned it as a bridge between East and West."
Shahmar Hajiyev, the senior advisor at the AIR Center, delivered a presentation titled "Azerbaijan's Successful Energy Strategy and Transition to a Green Economy."
Hajiyev highlighted that the effective policies implemented in 2024 under President Ilham Aliyev, along with energy agreements, signify a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan's energy policy.
"This includes a swift transition towards renewable energy, the development of sustainable energy sources, and enhancing their contribution to the economy. By hosting COP29 and signing relevant agreements, Azerbaijan has emerged as a leading regional state and a platform for economic, energy, and peace initiatives," concluded Shahmar Hajiyev at the end of his presentation.
It should be noted that the brochure prepared by the AIR Center team provides comprehensive information on Azerbaijan's integration into the international relations framework, regional and global initiatives, its role as a member of the donor community, energy strategy, transportation projects, the Second Karabakh War, and Azerbaijan's peace initiatives spanning from 2003 to 2023.