President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev took part in the panel discussion titled “Defining Eurasia’s Economic Identity” held as part of the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, where he outlined key developments in regional normalization, future transit prospects, and the role of international institutions.
The head of state noted that the Armenia–Azerbaijan and Türkiye–Armenia rapprochement processes are moving in parallel. According to President Aliyev, diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as between Türkiye and Armenia, could be established simultaneously. “If we cannot achieve what we want in the region, we cannot have any aspirations for any kind of global role,” he stressed.
President Aliyev revealed that the Armenian side has requested permission for transit from Armenia to Russia. He emphasized that Azerbaijan has already, de facto and unilaterally, opened corridors for Armenia. Currently, transportation is carried out through Georgia, but in the future direct transit from Armenia through Azerbaijan will be ensured. “That day is not too far away,” he said.
Touching upon the international environment, the president underlined that countries should not overly rely on international institutions. He recalled that all hopes for international mediation had previously collapsed: the UN Security Council had adopted four resolutions demanding the unconditional withdrawal of Armenian forces from Azerbaijani territories, yet they remained on paper, as did numerous decisions by the OSCE and other organizations. “Nothing materialized until we took the situation into our own hands. We restored justice, international law, our territorial integrity and sovereignty. After that, we achieved peace,” President Aliyev stated.
At the same time, he expressed cautious optimism about the current global and regional situation. While acknowledging that today’s environment may be more challenging than in previous years, he emphasized that with sufficient control over processes and firm protection of national interests, nations can still achieve success.
President Aliyev also highlighted the importance of demonstrating tangible benefits of peaceful coexistence so that societies on both sides fully support the reconciliation process. He noted that what has already been achieved brings significant benefits to Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the entire South Caucasus.
According to the head of state, the peace agreement signed in Washington is already transforming into practical results and is not limited to only a short-term period of stability. “If there is real commitment to peace, the two countries can reconcile in a relatively short period of time,” President Ilham Aliyev concluded.
