President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan is welcoming heads of state, government leaders, and high-ranking delegations from ECO member countries to this important regional gathering.
In his keynote address at the summit, President Aliyev delivered a powerful speech that underscored Azerbaijan’s growing regional influence, its economic resilience, and its commitment to post-conflict reconstruction and international cooperation.
President Aliyev opened his remarks by highlighting Azerbaijan’s robust investment environment. “Our country enjoys a highly favorable investment climate. Over the past 20 years, nearly $350 billion has been invested in Azerbaijan’s economy, with half of this amount coming from foreign sources,” he said, pointing to the strategic trust international investors have placed in Azerbaijan’s long-term development.
Touching on Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in energy security, the President stressed the country’s contribution to global energy markets. “Today, Azerbaijan ensures the energy security of many countries and exports natural gas to 12 countries through various gas pipelines. We are among the global leaders in this regard,” he stated. Azerbaijan’s energy infrastructure has become a cornerstone of regional cooperation and stability, with the country serving as a reliable supplier and transit hub.
Reaffirming Azerbaijan’s commitment to regional collaboration, President Aliyev said: “Azerbaijan has always actively participated in the activities of the Economic Cooperation Organization. Our relations with ECO member states are successfully developing.” He emphasized the need to further deepen economic, trade, and infrastructural ties among ECO countries to enhance sustainable development and mutual prosperity.
A central focus of President Aliyev’s address was the extensive reconstruction efforts underway in Karabakh and East Zangezur, regions recently reclaimed by Azerbaijan after nearly three decades of Armenian occupation.
“The territories had been subjected to widespread destruction and ethnic cleansing. Over one million Azerbaijanis were forcibly displaced from their ancestral homes,” the President recalled, noting the scale of human and cultural loss inflicted during the occupation.
He also pointed to Armenia’s deliberate mining of Azerbaijani territories: “Armenia buried over one million mines in our territories. Since the Patriotic War, nearly 400 of our compatriots have been killed or seriously injured as a result of mine explosions.”
Nevertheless, the Azerbaijani state is rapidly implementing its “Great Return” program. “We are building new cities and villages in these territories. So far, we have enabled the return of internally displaced persons to 16 cities and villages. Today, more than 50,000 people already live, work, and study in the liberated areas,” Aliyev announced.
Another significant topic addressed was the plight of Azerbaijanis deported from Armenia. President Aliyev emphasized the importance of restoring justice and protecting the rights of these individuals: “Ensuring the rights of Western Azerbaijanis deported from Armenia is of great importance.”
He welcomed the international support Azerbaijan received at the recent Council of Ministers session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), stating: “Last month, we highly appreciate the unanimous adoption by all 57 member states of a resolution supporting the right of return of Azerbaijanis forcibly displaced from Armenia.”
The choice of Khankendi as the host city for the 17th ECO Summit sends a powerful message about sovereignty, recovery, and regional unity. With strategic vision and assertive diplomacy, Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the South Caucasus and broader Eurasian landscape.
