On April 9, Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, addressed the international forum "Facing the New World Order" at ADA University, emphasizing Azerbaijan’s strategic role as a geographical, political, economic, and transportation bridge between Central Asia and Europe through established partnerships and declarations on strategic cooperation.

During his speech, President Aliyev highlighted that Azerbaijan’s geography makes it indispensable for regional connectivity, despite certain European attempts to marginalize the country and draw divisive lines in the South Caucasus. He argued that Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijani territories historically hindered regional integration, stating that Armenia’s actions blocked opportunities for cooperation in energy and transportation, unlike Georgia, which benefited from close ties with Azerbaijan.

President Aliyev expressed readiness to cooperate with Armenia if a peace agreement is signed, emphasizing that the initiative currently lies with Yerevan. He blamed Armenia’s past policies for excluding itself from regional transit networks and stressed that steps like joint projects on transboundary rivers and people-to-people exchanges could help reduce mistrust.

The Azerbaijani leader warned against the ongoing militarization of Armenia, fueled by weapons from new partners, which he claimed risks future tensions. He noted the presence of revanchist sentiments in Armenia and linked the lack of peace to unresolved territorial claims.

Aliyev criticized the Biden administration for deteriorating US-Azerbaijan relations, accusing it of siding unilaterally with Armenia and reinstating Section 907 after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. He contrasted this with Azerbaijan’s desire for positive ties with the United States, noting that trust in the Biden-Blinken team was "close to zero."

Touching on regional diplomacy, Aliyev said Azerbaijan helped facilitate Türkiye-Israel rapprochement and maintained strong alliances with both countries. He described Türkiye as an ally under the 2021 Shusha Declaration and Israel as a long-standing friend, expressing concern over tensions between them.

Regarding Iran, President Aliyev expressed optimism about bilateral relations following the election of President Pezeshkian, anticipating a state visit to Baku and highlighting shared interests in transportation and economic cooperation, particularly within the Middle Corridor framework.

He also addressed cooperation with China, noting joint projects in green energy and public transportation, including Chinese involvement in solar panel installations and vehicle production.

Aliyev harshly criticized several Western institutions and NGOs, including USAID, Radio Liberty, and Freedom House, labeling them as politically biased and harmful. He called for dismantling what he described as an infrastructure of political opponents.

He condemned Armenia’s previous close ties with Syria, characterizing them as hypocritical, and voiced support for Syria’s new leadership while warning against Armenia’s attempts to regain influence there.

Finally, President Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, emphasizing Azerbaijan’s role in securing its observer status in the Organization of Turkic States and denouncing the EU’s decision to admit Southern Cyprus despite the 2004 UN-backed referendum outcome, calling it an example of double standards.