President Ilham Aliyev’s address to the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of December 31 – Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year is not only the conclusion of the past year, but also a conceptual presentation of the political, military and diplomatic course of Azerbaijan in the post-war period.
Publika.az informs that these words were told to Telegraf by the head of Telegraf Media Group, political scientist Aynur Jamalgizi.
According to him, the appeal clearly shows that Azerbaijan is no longer an object of the regional agenda, but one of the main actors shaping it.
“The main leitmotif in the President’s speech is the people-power unity. This unity is presented as the main support not only for the victory in the Patriotic War, but also for the political and diplomatic results achieved in the next five years. The head of state, recalling the fifth anniversary of the Victory, specially emphasizes that the Karabakh issue has already been removed from the international agenda. This is not only a military, but also a confirmation of the political Victory.
“The fact that the Minsk Group was relegated to history and the initialing of the peace treaty with Armenia shows that Azerbaijan was able to accept the realities dictated by the victorious state on the international scale in the post-conflict stage,” said A. Jamalgizi.
The political commentator emphasized that one of the notable points in the President’s address is that, along with the thesis that “we are not preparing for a new war”, the issue of security is kept as a priority: “Ilham Aliyev gives a clear message: in today’s world, where international law is weakened and the power factor comes to the fore, only strong states can protect their sovereignty.
The modernization of the Armed Forces, the expansion of the Commando and Special Forces, and the increase of the potential of the local military industry reveal Azerbaijan’s intention to ensure its own security without depending on external actors.
A. Jamalgizi also noted that 2025 is presented as a fruitful year for Azerbaijan from a diplomatic point of view: “Membership in the D-8 organization, being elected as a full member of the Consultative Council of Central Asian countries shows that Baku’s regional and civilizational role is increasing. Especially the acceptance of Azerbaijan, a country of the South Caucasus, on the Central Asian political platform proves that official Baku has gained trust.
Holding the ECO Summit in Khankendi is an important message from the point of view of political symbolism: the city that was the cradle of separatism yesterday is now hosting international events.”
“In the address of the president, economic indicators are not emphasized by chance. Foreign exchange reserves of more than 80 billion dollars, foreign debt in the amount of only 6.3 percent of GDP show that Azerbaijan is a reliable partner not only regionally, but also globally.
The “Great Return” program reveals the socio-political nature of the post-war period. The fact that nearly 70,000 people are already living in the liberated territories is an indicator of the transition of Karabakh from empty political rhetoric to real life,” the political scientist said.
According to him, the part of the appeal that carries a special emotional burden is the call addressed to the Azerbaijanis of the World.
“The president sends a clear message: regardless of where he lives, a strong state stands behind every Azerbaijani. This shows that the diaspora policy has shifted to a model of patronage and responsibility, not protection.
Ilham Aliyev’s New Year’s address confirms that Azerbaijan has left the post-war period behind and entered the post-Victory stage. The main characteristic of this stage is a strong state, independent decisions, balanced diplomacy and politics based on national interests. The president’s message is clear: Azerbaijan will continue its path with its own national will, not with someone else’s dictate,” A. Jamalgizi said.
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