MP: Azerbaijan maintains a steady course in a turbulent global environment

At a time when the global system of political and economic relations is becoming increasingly tense and new risks and threats are emerging, the resilience of states is primarily determined by strong leadership, effective governance, and sound strategic decisions.

These views were expressed by Member of Parliament Vugar Iskandarov in a statement to The Daily Baku.

According to the MP, the processes that have unfolded since the Second World War clearly demonstrate that in today’s world the fate of states is directly shaped by the foresight, determination, and managerial competence of their leaders:

“The world has entered an extremely complex and tense phase of political relations. These processes clearly reveal governance gaps in some countries, while highlighting strong leadership and intelligent governance models in others. Against this backdrop, Azerbaijan can be likened to a ship sailing in a stormy ocean. Yet this ship successfully navigates dangerous waves, because it is led by an experienced, determined, and pragmatic captain.”

Vugar Iskandarov noted that President Ilham Aliyev’s interview with local television channels on January 5 has already become a tradition and, as in previous years, clearly outlined the main directions of the country’s domestic and foreign policy.

In his view, one of the key points of the interview concerned Azerbaijan’s role within the Organization of Turkic States:

“Today, thanks to the joint locomotive role of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Türkiye, the Organization of Turkic States is growing stronger year by year. The President’s emphasis on the importance of holding joint military exercises among member states is both timely and entirely justified. In a world marked by wars, terrorism, geopolitical pressure, and the selective application of international law, this approach is of vital importance for small and medium-sized states.”

Vugar Iskandarov stated that President Ilham Aliyev assesses global processes like a political grandmaster and prioritizes preventive steps against potential risks:

“It is evident that states with strong alliances and reliable partners endure political and economic turbulence with relatively fewer losses. Europe’s situation in the context of the Russia–Ukraine war once again confirmed this reality. European countries that relied on the U.S. security umbrella realized that they had serious gaps in this area.”

According to the MP, Azerbaijan’s main strengths lie in economic diversification, strengthening defense and security capacities, and maintaining a stable and flexible governance model:

“Modern Azerbaijan combines all of these qualities. We are not talking about creating military blocs, but extending the joint military exercises conducted by Azerbaijan and Türkiye to other members of the Organization of Turkic States would be highly beneficial in terms of collective security and exchange of experience.”

Touching upon the Zangezur corridor, Vugar Iskandarov emphasized that this project is not only of regional but also of global significance:

“The Zangezur corridor is not merely about reconnecting mainland Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan. It has the potential to become one of the world’s most profitable logistics routes. As a core segment of the Middle Corridor, the TRIPP route strengthens Azerbaijan’s long-term security and economic architecture.”

He added that ensuring security along this route will remain a key focus for all major powers interested in trade between China and Europe:

“The transportation of billions of dollars’ worth of goods along these routes shows that no global power would want instability in the region. This further strengthens Azerbaijan’s position not only economically, but also in terms of security.”

Addressing Azerbaijan–U.S. relations, the MP noted that these ties are entering a new phase:

“Donald Trump is a pragmatic politician who clearly understands President Ilham Aliyev’s political weight. Today, Azerbaijan enjoys significant influence not only in the South Caucasus but across a much broader geography. During its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, our country also played an important role in addressing global issues.”

In conclusion, Vugar Iskandarov stressed that all these factors prove Azerbaijan has become a state that is recognized, listened to, and respected in the international arena:

“Azerbaijan–U.S. relations are not limited to transport and logistics routes. U.S. participation as a witness in matters of security, regional peace, and the Azerbaijan–Armenia peace process indicates that these relations will continue to develop on the basis of mutual benefit. This is a source of pride for every Azerbaijani.”