Azerbaijan’s growing global weight in Davos: a model of power, trust, and strategic planning

The Davos Economic Forum is no longer merely a platform for economic discussions; it has also become one of the key global centers shaping the world’s political agenda. President Ilham Aliyev’s participation in Davos as a selected and prominent global leader, his numerous bilateral meetings, and the special attention he received clearly demonstrate Azerbaijan’s growing role on the international stage.

This was stated by Member of Parliament Tural Ganjaliyev in an interview with The Daily Baku.

According to Tural Ganjaliyev, President Ilham Aliyev’s meetings in Davos with heads of state and government, as well as with executives of multinational corporations, major investment funds, and global companies operating in green energy, alternative energy sources, transport, and logistics, show that Azerbaijan is now perceived as a model country. In his view, Azerbaijan has achieved this position through the consistent development of large scale infrastructure projects over many years.

The MP recalled that Azerbaijan’s energy strategy, which began with the Baku Tbilisi Ceyhan oil pipeline, was continued through the Baku Tbilisi Erzurum pipeline, the Baku Tbilisi Kars railway, the Southern Gas Corridor, TANAP, and TAP, ultimately evolving into an energy architecture of strategic importance for Europe.

“These projects have strengthened Azerbaijan’s image as a reliable partner. Azerbaijan’s role in the Middle Corridor is of particular importance. This corridor is no longer limited to the transportation of traditional energy resources such as oil and gas; it also envisages the export of green and alternative energy resources from Eurasia and Turkestan to Europe. Azerbaijan is one of the main initiators and implementers of these projects. It is no coincidence that Azerbaijan is regarded as a key component of the Middle Corridor.”

The MP emphasized that Azerbaijan has become a leading country located at the intersection of both the East West and North South transport and communication routes, ensuring the security and stability of these corridors.

“The end of the Armenia Azerbaijan conflict and the removal of regional restrictions are the result of Azerbaijan’s deep strategic planning and demonstrate that our country is shaping a new environment of cooperation in the region through its economic and political strength.”

Tural Ganjaliyev noted that at a time when international law and classical international organizations are losing their former influence, global power centers prefer cooperation with countries capable of ensuring real security, political stability, and the implementation of major projects. In this context, Azerbaijan attracts special interest as a state that has achieved a military political victory while successfully implementing geo economic projects.

According to the MP, President Ilham Aliyev’s meetings in Davos with leading global investment and asset management companies such as BlackRock and JP Morgan, representatives of European Union countries, and strategic partners from the Middle East, including Qatar, confirm that Azerbaijan is perceived as a reliable and attractive partner across all dimensions.

He also noted that following the liberation of Karabakh and East Zangezur from occupation, the green energy agenda has become one of Azerbaijan’s strategic priorities.

“Today, Azerbaijan is no longer viewed solely as an exporter of oil and gas, but also as a country preparing to produce and export green energy and green hydrogen. In this direction, there are concrete strategic documents and plans covering the period beyond 2030.”

The MP added that Azerbaijan’s position stands out against the backdrop of key challenges outlined in the Davos Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report for 2026 to 2028, including trade wars, interstate conflicts, artificial intelligence, and digital risks. Azerbaijan emerges as a country that has reduced risks by resolving a regional conflict, contributes tangibly to energy security, and is taking significant steps in the fields of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and cyber security.

Tural Ganjaliyev emphasized that the experience gained in the field of cyber security during the 44 day Patriotic War, as well as the increased focus on this area in the post war period, enables Azerbaijan to act as a reliable partner on the Davos platform in discussions on global risks.

“The sharing of Azerbaijan’s experience in Davos and the recognition of its role in managing global risks are clear indicators of the country’s growing international standing.”