Perhaps as long as “Her Majesty Global Geopolitics” exists, there will be discussions about the role of individual leaders in history. Perspectives on this phenomenon, of course, vary, but the fact remains: whether one agrees or not, it is often the wisdom of a political leader that can drive a state forward. And this is done on the basis of strengthening unity within society, without which no progress—whether domestic or international—is truly possible.
We can all clearly see this confirmed in the world today, where the blood of innocents continues to be shed, destruction follows destruction, and people are repeatedly forced to leave their homes. At the same time, countries that have always portrayed themselves as the “most flourishing” are in turmoil. When we look more closely at these problems, it becomes evident that this is precisely due to the absence of wise political guidance. When heads of state or the ruling team as a whole fail to anticipate the development of situations not only for the coming years but even for the near future.
In this regard—which even Azerbaijan’s adversaries cannot fail to acknowledge—official Baku has, over the past years, confidently demonstrated its commitment to the foreign policy course firmly established by the country’s president, Ilham Aliyev. This approach is based exclusively on safeguarding the national interests of the state, firmly anchored in international law, and carried out without causing harm to third countries. This unique foundation was laid by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and President Ilham Aliyev has been developing this line while taking into account the rapidly changing trends of the modern era. At its core, we reiterate, is an unshakable principle—the protection of Azerbaijan’s national interests—which shapes the country’s foreign policy. In this light, the role of individual leadership in history becomes particularly evident.
Just a few days ago, we touched upon the aspect of Azerbaijan’s multifaceted international engagement, once again demonstrated not merely through the country’s leader attending key international summits, but through the ideas he presents—including Baku’s intention to share its experience in peacebuilding. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that President Ilham Aliyev was invited by the leaders of the United States and Egypt—Donald Trump and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi—to participate in the Middle East Peace Summit, an event that, we dare say, will be watched by the entire world. For those who may be surprised by these developments, we advise a careful study of Azerbaijan’s recent decades of history.
In this context, it is certainly highly indicative that the Azerbaijani leader received an invitation to such a major global summit (notably attended by only 20 states) directly from two presidents. In this light, we cannot fail to recall how, in August of this year, the White House host described Ilham Aliyev as a great leader and, during the dialogue between the two presidents at an official reception on the occasion of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, publicly referred to the head of Azerbaijan as his friend, stating aloud, “I’m very proud of you […] You’re amazing people. You’re leaders at the highest level.”
Meanwhile, following the 2024 Azerbaijan–Egypt talks, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi elegantly highlighted the strengthening of bilateral relations across various spheres and the forging of a new path toward this goal. He emphasised that the focus of both Baku and Cairo is on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Ilham Aliyev elaborated on this, noting the absence of disagreements on international matters. Highlighting the urgent need to end the tragedy in Gaza and affirming support for Cairo’s efforts in this regard, President Aliyev stressed the importance of taking into account the initiatives put forward by Egypt. At the same time, he reiterated Azerbaijan’s unequivocal position in support of the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
In January of this year, the president reaffirmed Baku’s consistent position on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, emphasising that Azerbaijan supports the creation—“i.e. the existence of two states.” As he noted, “the creation of an independent Palestinian state will put an end to this conflict.” Later in the summer, while receiving the credentials of the newly appointed Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Palestine, Ahmed Metani, Ilham Aliyev, highlighting the ties between the peoples as an important factor in interstate relations, once again stressed that Azerbaijan “has consistently supported the just demands of the Palestinian people and the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution and relevant UN resolutions.”
Overall, Azerbaijan has consistently placed particular emphasis on developing relations with the global Islamic community. As early as 2023, in an interview with Euronews, President Ilham Aliyev described Baku’s relations with Muslim countries as an example of solidarity and partnership, highlighting that Azerbaijan is considered one of the most active members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In the same year, he also noted that Azerbaijan “supports the development of cooperation in all fields within the Organization.”
In this regard, it is important to emphasise that, following the 2023 Azerbaijan–Egypt talks, President Aliyev, highlighting the expansion of the UN Security Council, advocated for the mandatory allocation of a permanent seat, including to a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The head of state specified that any nomination should be proposed directly by the OIC on the basis of consultations. According to him, reforms of this kind would contribute to the creation of a more just and secure world. This idea has been voiced repeatedly by the President of Azerbaijan.
Within this context, it is also worth noting that Baku has frequently become a platform for mediatory efforts. In particular, negotiations between Syrian and Israeli officials were held under Azerbaijan’s mediation, aimed at helping normalise relations and establish predictable conditions between these countries. Regarding the tension between Türkiye and Israel, President Ilham Aliyev emphasised that, if requested to involve Baku in stabilising the situation, “we will do it.” Otherwise, “we will try to use less public diplomatic efforts to help find common ground.”
In this context, it should be emphasised that Azerbaijan’s special format of engagement with the Islamic world does not in any way hinder its relations with Israel, which reflects one of the unique aspects of the country’s multifaceted foreign policy. In this regard, Israeli President Isaac Herzog highlighted the high value his country places on strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, describing it as “a beacon of stability for both Israel and our region.” According to Herzog, “You have prioritized efforts to achieve peace in the region, which has transformed Azerbaijan into an important platform for dialogue and diplomacy.”
In turn, President Ilham Aliyev described the high level of friendly ties and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel as a vivid expression of the historical connections and mutual respect between the peoples, founded on a solid basis of trust and support.
Surely, the nuances presented above, even in this very brief overview, clearly demonstrate the multifaceted nature of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy, which, in the words of President Ilham Aliyev, allows the country to remain at the centre of events. In this context, the invitation extended to the leader of Azerbaijan by the presidents of the United States and Egypt to participate in the Peace Summit is entirely natural. It also confirms how the meticulously calibrated steps of the country’s president strengthen Azerbaijan’s image in the world, helping to elevate the state to a new geopolitical level.
For this reason, we emphasise the role of individual leadership in history.
Teymur Atayev
Caliber.az
