Ilham Aliyev held multiple high-level meetings with international leaders during the UN World Urban Forum in Baku, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation, strategic partnerships, and urban development, alongside delivering a major speech emphasizing Azerbaijan’s reconstruction, connectivity, and global urban agenda.

Meetings

On May 16–18, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a series of meetings with UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach and visiting leaders from Pakistan, Eswatini, Kenya and other countries in Baku, focusing on preparations for the 13th UN World Urban Forum, bilateral cooperation, and broader political, economic, and development partnerships.

On May 17, Ilham Aliyev held a meeting with Aleksandar Vučić, the President of the Republic of Serbia. Vučić emphasized the importance of the 13th Session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13) and congratulated the Azerbaijani head of state on Baku’s role as host of the event. Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the congratulations. During the meeting, the February official visit of Aliyev to Serbia was recalled with satisfaction, with both sides noting that tangible progress has been achieved in implementing the matters discussed during that visit. The leaders stressed the importance of reciprocal visits at the level of heads of state, as well as engagements at other levels, in further strengthening bilateral cooperation. They praised the high level of political relations and pointed to wide-ranging opportunities for expanding collaboration in areas such as economics, energy, investment, and joint initiatives. The importance of Air Serbia operating direct flights on the Belgrade–Baku route was also highlighted as a key factor in enhancing people-to-people contacts and boosting tourism potential. The sides further exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

On the same day, Aliyev also met with Iliana Iotova, the Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria. Iotova recalled her previous meeting with Aliyev on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in February, describing their discussions as productive. She characterized Azerbaijan’s hosting of WUF13 as a significant milestone, particularly given global challenges related to conflicts and wars, and noted Bulgaria’s strong participation in the forum at a high political level, including representatives from more than ten municipalities, among them the mayor of Veliko Tarnovo, a sister city of Shusha. She underlined the importance of the World Urban Forum as a global platform addressing urgent urban development issues and extended her congratulations to Azerbaijan on organizing the event. Aliyev expressed his appreciation for the remarks. Iotova also emphasized the strategic importance of energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria, particularly in connection with the "Solidarity Ring" project. She further highlighted cultural and humanitarian ties, noting the teaching of the Bulgarian language in Azerbaijan, as well as projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Bulgaria, including the sister-city link between Veliko Tarnovo and Shusha and the establishment of a Shusha Park. She reiterated her gratitude for the Foundation’s assistance in restoring the "Trapezitsa" Architectural Museum Reserve. During the talks, both sides stressed that relations between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria continue to develop on the basis of mutual respect and trust. They discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in energy, including electricity exports, as well as in agriculture, tourism, and other sectors. The sides also noted constructive cooperation within various international organizations and exchanged views on additional issues on the bilateral agenda.

On May 18, Aliyev met with Irakli Kobakhidze, the Prime Minister of Georgia. Aliyev recalled with satisfaction his state visit to Georgia in April of the same year, stating that it had made a significant contribution to strengthening bilateral relations. He emphasized the importance of the documents scheduled for signing during the visit as a means of further expanding cooperation. Kobakhidze expressed gratitude for the reception, stating that it was a pleasure to visit Azerbaijan. He also recalled Aliyev’s recent state visit to Georgia, noting that it had left a strong impression. The Prime Minister underlined that Azerbaijan and Georgia play an important role for many countries in terms of connectivity and stressed the need to further deepen cooperation in this direction. He congratulated Azerbaijan on hosting the 13th Session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13), describing it as an important platform for discussing global urban development issues. Aliyev expressed his appreciation for the congratulations. During the meeting, both sides highlighted the dynamic development of relations based on friendship and good-neighborliness, stressing the breadth of the bilateral agenda. They noted significant potential for expanding cooperation in political, economic, energy, transport, logistics, and investment sectors, while also commending the role of reciprocal high-level visits in strengthening ties. Subsequently, in the presence of Aliyev and Kobakhidze, several agreements were signed, including the Agreement on the Supply of Natural Gas to Georgia between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of Georgia, the Agreement on the Supply and Transit of Electricity through Georgian territory, and the Protocol of the 41st meeting of the Coordination Council on the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and construction of the Marabda–border of Türkiye (Kartsakhi) railway section within the framework of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway project.

On the same day, Aliyev received Zhang Guoqing, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. Zhang conveyed greetings from Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, stating that Xi considers Aliyev a friend of China. Aliyev expressed gratitude for the greetings and asked that his own regards be conveyed to Xi, stating that he highly values the Chinese President’s description of him as a permanent friend of China. Zhang noted that key issues related to the global urbanization agenda were being discussed at WUF13 and congratulated Azerbaijan on hosting the event, describing Aliyev’s opening speech as highly substantive. Aliyev expressed appreciation for China’s high-level participation, describing it as a sign of friendship. The Vice Premier emphasized the rapid development of Azerbaijan–China relations, recalling high-level meetings and noting that ties had reached the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. He also thanked Azerbaijan for its position on China’s Taiwan province and stressed China’s support for Azerbaijan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as its development path chosen by its people. Aliyev recalled his state visit to China, expressing gratitude for the hospitality and highlighting the importance of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership document signed during that visit. He reiterated that Azerbaijan, having experienced separatism in its own history, condemns all forms of separatism, and noted that Azerbaijan did not recognize the illegal elections held in China’s Taiwan province, instead issuing a statement condemning them. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s support for the "One China" policy. Both sides praised the development of Azerbaijan–China relations across multiple sectors, including inter-party cooperation between the New Azerbaijan Party and the Communist Party of China, as well as collaboration within international organizations. They also discussed expanding cooperation in trade, transport, logistics, energy, and other strategic areas.

Also on May 18, Aliyev met with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Aliyev expressed gratitude for Mirziyoyev’s participation in WUF13, stating that his presence reflected the close fraternal ties between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. He recalled previous meetings and noted that many of the projects discussed were now being implemented, including the construction of Uzbekistan Park in Baku. Mirziyoyev congratulated Azerbaijan on hosting the World Urban Forum and expressed satisfaction with developments in the country, noting progress in the reconstruction of Garabagh. He stated that the achievements under Aliyev’s leadership, including the Victory in the Patriotic War, reflected his dedication to the country and people. Aliyev thanked him for the remarks and highlighted Uzbekistan’s support in the reconstruction process, particularly the establishment of Mirzo Ulugbek Secondary School No. 1 in Fuzuli, describing it as a symbol of brotherhood and solidarity. The leaders also recalled reciprocal visits and reviewed ongoing economic projects, expressing satisfaction with their implementation. Discussions covered cooperation in energy, mining, agriculture, mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors. Both sides emphasized that bilateral relations had reached the level of a strategic alliance and noted the successful development of cooperation across all fields.

Speech at 13th Session of the World Urban Forum

On May 18, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Mehriban Aliyeva, the First Lady of the Republic of Azerbaijan, attended the opening ceremony of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku. The event began with Ilham Aliyev and Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), welcoming heads of state, government leaders, and delegation heads participating in the forum. A family photo session followed the welcoming ceremony, after which a video prepared by UN-Habitat marking the opening of WUF13 was screened and a cultural program was presented.

During the ceremony, Aliyev addressed the participants, stating, "Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear guests," and welcomed attendees to Baku, expressing hope for a successful forum. He emphasized that the event had gathered more than 45,000 registered participants from 182 countries, describing it as the second-largest international gathering ever hosted in Azerbaijan after COP29. He noted that WUF13 would give visitors an opportunity to better understand Azerbaijan and its approach to urban development.

Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan, located between Europe and Asia, has historically served as a bridge between East and West, which is reflected in its architectural landscape. He pointed to the contrast between Baku’s ancient Old City and its modern seafront development along Baku Boulevard, as well as 19th-century European-influenced architecture, describing this coexistence as a symbol of balance between preservation and modernization. He also highlighted that urban planning has become a daily priority for Azerbaijan, noting that 2026 had been declared the Year of Urban Planning by his decree.

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, expressed gratitude to UN-Habitat for its cooperation and support in organizing WUF13. He recalled that since 2022, three national urban forums had been held in Aghdam, Zangilan, and Khankendi, cities previously under occupation, emphasizing Azerbaijan’s commitment to urban development and improving living standards.

Aliyev also referred to several historic Azerbaijani cities, including Shamakhi, Nakhchivan, Ganja, Gabala, Sheki, Lahij, and Shusha, describing their cultural and architectural significance. He highlighted the preservation of monuments such as the Momine Khatun Mausoleum in Nakhchivan, the ancient mosque in Shamakhi, and the Maiden Tower in Baku, stating that Azerbaijan’s heritage reflects centuries of continuity despite invasions and destruction.

He stated that Azerbaijan’s historical monuments are preserved, accessible, and open to the public, emphasizing, "this is the best indication of our attitude to our historical heritage." Aliyev stressed that the country’s duty is to preserve this legacy for future generations while continuing modernization efforts. He added that urban development requires balancing boldness with caution, comparing it to the challenges of navigating the Baku Formula One street circuit, where speed and precision must coexist.

Addressing post-conflict reconstruction, Aliyev stated that the restoration of Garabagh and East Zangezur, areas formerly under Armenian occupation, is one of the government’s main priorities. He described widespread destruction in cities such as Aghdam, which he referred to as the "Hiroshima of the Caucasus," noting that it had been completely destroyed over decades of occupation. He said the ongoing "Great Return Program" includes reconstruction of infrastructure, housing, schools, hospitals, and transport systems, alongside demining and job creation efforts. According to him, more than 85,000 Azerbaijanis have already returned to live in these territories.

Aliyev further noted that Azerbaijan has undertaken extensive environmental rehabilitation in Baku, referring to areas such as Black City, Bibiheybat, and Boyukshor, which were previously heavily polluted due to the city’s long oil production history. He stated that these areas have been transformed into environmentally friendly urban spaces, including the development of White City and other modern districts such as Sea Breeze. He also highlighted the creation of 100 parks, squares, and gardens in Baku over the past two decades.

Concluding his address, Aliyev emphasized the importance of sustainable and environmentally friendly urban development, improved public transport, and shared international experience. He stated that learning from both successes and mistakes is essential for progress, adding that participants should experience Baku firsthand. He then wished guests a pleasant stay and declared the forum successful.