Tokyo, 24 December, /AJMEDIA/
Today, Azerbaijan is experiencing its most powerful period in history. The historical Victory of modern independent Azerbaijan, the masterpiece of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, is in the center of attention of the world with the realities it has created against the background of the full restoration of territorial integrity and sovereignty. President Ilham Aliyev, who has successfully continued the policy of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev in all areas for the last 22 years, won the votes of the vast majority of voters in the presidential elections held in our country in 2003 and was elected as the head of our state. At the inauguration ceremony, after winning the votes of the vast majority of voters, he stated that Heydar Aliyev’s policy would be continued for the successful implementation of the tasks ahead of Azerbaijan and for its transformation into a more powerful and prosperous country. The policy implemented in the last 22 years is an indicator of unity of words and deeds, and loyalty to the policy of Heydar Aliyev. After his confident victory in the presidential elections held throughout the country for the first time in the history of independence in February last year, our Head of State Ilham Aliyev drew attention to these realities once again at his inauguration ceremony, drawing on the successes of the past 20 years: “When I was first elected President in 2003, I assured my people that I would try to fulfill all the tasks ahead and justify the high trust of the people.” Indeed, the past 22 years have been a period rich in victories. Despite all the difficulties and problems, the Azerbaijani people have united as one fist and successfully walked the path of development and progress.
In the last 22 years, which have been written as a magnificent period in the history of modern statehood, as a result of the policy laid down by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev and developed, improved and renewed by President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has integrated into the world’s economic system as a country distinguished by its dynamic development. It is precisely because of these qualities that our people reiterated their trust in President Ilham Aliyev, whom they closely united around in the presidential elections held in 2008, 2013, 2018 and 2024.
Thanks to the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, who rapidly developed Azerbaijan and turned it into a leading state in the region, our country has become a voice in the region and in the world community. President Ilham Aliyev, who set the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity as a primary task from the first day of his presidency, fulfilled his promise with the economic and military power of our state. Restoring territorial integrity, Azerbaijan brought new opportunities for peace, security and development to the region.
The head of our state always states in his speeches that the civic factor is the basis of state policy. This important point was also stated from the very first day that socio-economic indicators should find their clear expression not only in numbers, but also in people’s daily lives. Of course, it is the oil strategy authored by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev that paved the way for these successes. As a result of the successful implementation of this strategy, Azerbaijan strengthens its position as a reliable partner. A clear example of this was the signing of the “Contract of the New Century” in 2017 as a continuation of the “Contract of the Century”, and at the same time, the laying of the foundation of the Southern Gas Corridor in 2014. In December 2020, the Southern Gas Corridor was put into operation in full.
Our country’s breath of new life into the world’s energy and transport projects was a logical result of President Ilham Aliyev’s political will, successful foreign policy strategy, correctly defined energy diplomacy, and far-sighted policy. The policy of our head of state to transform Azerbaijan into a “green energy” country is supported by world states, and the interest of well-known countries and investors in alternative energy projects is increasing. With the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership in the Energy Sector between the European Union and Azerbaijan, our country’s cooperation with continental states has further expanded. The COP29 event hosted by Azerbaijan last year played a significant role in presenting the successes of our country’s energy diplomacy. Over the past 22 years, the successful implementation of projects aimed at the development of the non-oil sector by maintaining transparency in the management of oil revenues has played a significant role in the sustainable economic development of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan is achieving sustainable economic development as a result of joint efforts and exchange of experience by presenting a new model of cooperation to the world. The preservation of Azerbaijan’s economic and political independence has made its mark in our historic Victory, which has resonated with the world today.
While talking about the successes of the past 22 years, we should especially note the achievements made in other areas, including army building, with the increase in Azerbaijan’s economic capabilities. For a country living in war conditions, having a powerful economy and a strong army are essential conditions. President Ilham Aliyev, setting the liberation of our lands from occupation as the main task from the very first day, made efforts to ensure the existence of all the necessary factors to sign the Victory. Azerbaijan has achieved great successes in every field. Our army has become one of the most powerful armies in the world. Our superiority on the information front has found its clear expression in the diplomatic successes achieved by Azerbaijan. One of the main factors that paved the way for all these successes is the People-Presidential unity and solidarity. According to the Trilateral Statement dated November 10, 2020, which confirmed the military-political Victory of Azerbaijan and the capitulation of Armenia, Aghdam, Kalbajar and Lachin were handed over to Azerbaijan without a single shot being fired. Three years after our Historical Victory, the reasons for the local anti-terrorist measures carried out by our brave Army are clear. As a result of one-day local anti-terrorist measures, our territories were cleared of separatists, and our sovereignty was fully restored. September 20 entered our history as the Day of State Sovereignty. The statements made by the Head of State at prestigious international events and meetings with leading world leaders, especially the initialing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington on August 8 of this year, witnessed by US President Donald Trump, once again confirm that our country is perceived as a reliable partner and an important strategic center in the Euro-Atlantic space.
The unprecedented pace of reconstruction and reconstruction work in the liberated territories after the Victory in the Second Karabakh War makes our country’s economic power widely known in the world. The fact that the Azerbaijani economy has expanded more than 4 times during the 22-year presidency of Ilham Aliyev is a great success. During the period in question, the country’s strategic foreign exchange reserves have increased from approximately $2 billion to $80 billion. Strong economic potential and extensive financial capabilities greatly increase Azerbaijan’s maneuverability. It is a matter of pride that today our republic is among the countries with the lowest level of external debt in the world. Currently, the most important direction of the state policy implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev is the implementation of reconstruction and reconstruction works in the territories liberated from occupation, the successful implementation of the Great Return program. Today, we can confidently say that Victorious Azerbaijan, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, is resolutely moving towards the new goals it has set for itself.
Vugar Aghayev