“Never give up” – Aliyev sends a message to Ukraine and delivers a blow to Moscow
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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev delivered a high-profile speech at the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum on 19 July, responding to numerous questions from journalists. Daily News Hungary was present at the event. The forum’s symbolic location—in the heart of Nagorno-Karabakh—underscored Azerbaijan’s shifting geopolitical position.
Post-Karabakh rebirth: return, reconstruction, and transit hubs
More than 50,000 residents have returned to Karabakh since the war, with billions of dollars invested in rebuilding the region. Roads, railways, neighbourhoods, schools, hospitals, churches, and mosques are under continuous construction. “What we see in Karabakh now is already a paradise—and this is just the beginning,” the president said.
He noted the emergence of both digital and physical transport corridors between Iran, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye, as well as “new maritime and land shipping routes” connecting Uzbekistan, China, and Europe—including Hungary. With the Zangezur Corridor and other rail projects, Azerbaijan is becoming a regional logistics hub.
COP29 and the green energy future
Aliyev called hosting the COP29 climate summit in Baku a “historic breakthrough that allowed Azerbaijan to make a global impact.” Delegates from nearly 200 countries participated in the conference.
Azerbaijan aims to generate at least 6 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030. Alongside natural gas, solar panels and hydrogen will play key roles. Aliyev emphasised the country’s commitment to aiding the EU, with plans already in place to deliver green energy to Hungary via Georgia, the Black Sea, and Romania.
He called Hungary a reliable partner in the green energy sector. Through the Black Sea transmission project, electricity generated in Azerbaijan could reach Western Europe via Romania and Hungary. Gas exports are also set to increase, but, as Aliyev stated: “We have never viewed gas as a political weapon. For us, it has always been a commercial matter.”
His remarks suggested renewed momentum in relations with the EU. “After past tensions, we are now receiving positive signals from the new European Commission,” he added.
Global power balance: China, U.S., and diplomacy
Foreign policy also featured prominently. Relations with China are at an all-time high and built on mutual trust. In addition to relaxed visa policies, Chinese companies are partnering on Azerbaijani solar and wind energy projects, with joint efforts under way in green energy production.
Regarding the United States, Aliyev said that friendly ties with the Trump administration had been restored, whereas under Biden, “American leadership has turned its back on Azerbaijan.” He remained optimistic: “We’re now returning to normal relations and are ready to elevate cooperation to a higher level.”
He further emphasised: “Azerbaijan has always supported China’s territorial integrity, including Taiwan.”
Strained relations with Russia: “We will not forget”
One of Aliyev’s strongest statements addressed tensions with Russia. He criticised Moscow for failing to clarify the investigation of a downed passenger jet, asserting, “They know exactly what happened.” (On 25 December 2024, Azerbaijan Airlines flight 8243/8432, an Embraer 190 en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Of the 67 passengers, 38 died and 29 were injured. Multiple investigations concluded the plane was downed by a Russian Pantsir-S air defence missile. Russia has yet to accept responsibility and claims its investigation is ongoing.)
