Discussing Azerbaijan’s achievements under President Aliyev’s leadership often necessitates the use of the word “revolution.” Indeed, revolutionary transformations have taken place across domestic and foreign policy, diplomacy, infrastructure, the energy sector, and the military balance in the region. His extraordinary foresight, precise political strategy, and well-calibrated diplomacy have enabled Azerbaijan to accomplish tasks that many would deem an “impossible mission.”
President Ilham Aliyev assumed office on October 15, 2003, winning the presidential elections with a decisive victory. During the early 2000s, under his leadership, Azerbaijan addressed a complex and sensitive political challenge. The country effectively broke the cycle of “color revolutions” sweeping across the post-Soviet space at the time. U.S. diplomats expressed surprise, noting that Azerbaijan had found a way to advance democracy and implement political reforms without upheaval. This marked an impressive test of political stability, one that Azerbaijan passed with flying colors under Aliyev’s leadership. Subsequent attempts to destabilize the country also failed, showcasing its resilience. Azerbaijan became one of the first nations in the post-Soviet space to demand financial transparency from grant-funded NGOs. These legislative reforms were so carefully designed that they were silently accepted without controversy, avoiding the scandals associated with similar laws in other countries. Azerbaijan’s domestic policies are determined in Baku, not dictated by scenarios written thousands of miles away.
Under President Aliyev’s leadership, Azerbaijan successfully implemented its oil and gas strategy. On July 13, 2006, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline was inaugurated, marking Azerbaijan’s entry into the global oil export market. Initially dismissed as an “unfeasible political project,” the pipeline began filling tankers with Azerbaijani oil in Ceyhan, Turkey, in 2006. Instead of squandering oil revenues on populist projects, Azerbaijan reinvested them wisely. In December 2020, the country launched the Southern Gas Corridor, a monumental investment project that has transformed Europe’s energy map.
President Aliyev also spearheaded what has been termed an “infrastructure revolution.” A key milestone was the opening of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway on October 30, 2017. The Caspian region saw the emergence of a new trade port, the establishment of a ferry terminal, and the development of the Middle Corridor, which has become a critical global logistics hub. The infrastructure was in place to meet the challenges of the shifting geopolitical landscape, underscoring Azerbaijan’s strategic foresight.
Another significant achievement has been introducing Azerbaijan to the global stage. Hosting events such as the Eurovision Song Contest, the first European Games, the Islamic Solidarity Games, various world championships, and a Formula 1 Grand Prix required extensive infrastructure, guaranteed security, a developed network of hotels, modern airports, and advanced communication systems.
Most notably, under President Aliyev’s leadership, Azerbaijan undertook a comprehensive military reform program. Revenues from the successful energy strategy allowed for a robust defense budget, at times surpassing the entire state budget of Armenia. Military parades showcased advanced weaponry, signaling a transformation in Azerbaijan’s armed forces. In April 2016, Azerbaijan demonstrated its military capabilities, proving that the conflict over Karabakh had a viable military solution. The 2020 counteroffensive and the liberation of Shusha became case studies in military academies worldwide, highlighting a blend of military strategy, precise diplomacy, and unparalleled national unity. The 44-day campaign underscored the nation’s trust in its president and Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
After the war, Azerbaijan’s diplomatic finesse came to the fore. It achieved the bloodless liberation of three districts, conducted rapid anti-terrorist operations in September 2023, and ended the peacekeeping mission in Karabakh ahead of schedule. For the first time in 200 years, Azerbaijan reclaimed, rather than lost, its territories. The restoration of Karabakh and the country’s territorial integrity stands as the defining national achievement of recent decades, achieved under President Aliyev’s leadership.
Today, Azerbaijan continues to rise as a victorious nation, taking on new challenges. Hosting international forums like COP29, launching global political and humanitarian initiatives, and pursuing a truly independent foreign policy reflect the country’s newfound status. Decisions of national importance are made in Baku, prioritizing Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and interests. President Ilham Aliyev has demonstrated that a nation’s foreign policy—even in the post-Soviet space—can be conducted with dignity and a focus on national priorities, without external interference. His achievements resonate as a testament to his extraordinary leadership.
Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
