2025 has been remembered as a year characterized by significant achievements in the fields of foreign and domestic policy for Azerbaijan. The consistent, independent political course based on national interests pursued under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev has further strengthened our country’s position in the regional and global arena. During this period, Azerbaijan actively participated in shaping the security environment and demonstrated an initiative-driven stance in establishing new cooperation platforms and deepening existing partnerships.
2025 is also remarkable as the period when the fifth anniversary of the Victory in the Patriotic War was celebrated. This victory is assessed not only as the result of military operations but also as a turning point in securing Azerbaijan’s national interests in the political, economic, and diplomatic spheres. One of the most important factors is the end of nearly 30 years of occupation and the elimination of threats to the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. This reality carries strategic significance in terms of the changing geopolitical balance in the region and the formation of a new security architecture.
The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, stated in his address to the people on the occasion of the Solidarity Day of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year that in 2025, thanks to the unity of the state and the people, Azerbaijan continued its development as a victorious country under peace and security, and he is confident that these successes will also continue in 2026.
“2025 is behind us. This year, too, has been a successful year for our country and our people. The people of Azerbaijan have lived in conditions of peace, security, and tranquility. The unity between the people and the government is the main factor behind our success. I am sure that the upcoming year 2026 will also be successful for our country, and all the tasks facing the nation will be fulfilled successfully, just as before. This year, we proudly celebrated the fifth anniversary of our glorious Victory. The historic Victory we achieved during the Patriotic War five years ago will remain with us forever. The people of Azerbaijan will forever be proud of this Victory. We ended the thirty-year Armenian occupation, restored our territorial integrity, our sovereignty, and our national dignity. During the military parade dedicated to the fifth anniversary of our Victory, part of the work carried out in the army building in recent years was demonstrated to our people and to the whole world,” President Ilham Aliyev noted.
Over the past five years, consistent measures have been taken toward the modernization of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, and the army has been equipped with modern weapons and technology. A significant increase in the size and level of readiness of the special forces has contributed to strengthening the country’s defense capability. Against the backdrop of global armament trends, this policy has once again demonstrated that Azerbaijan acts as a responsible state, primarily ensuring its own national security.
President Ilham Aliyev emphasized in his address to the nation that over the last five years, the Army of Azerbaijan has significantly increased its military power and has become a strong force capable of fulfilling any task: “Over the last five years, the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan have significantly strengthened their capabilities. Our Army, equipped with new weapons and technology, is capable today of carrying out any mission. Over the last five years, we have greatly strengthened our military power both by making use of domestically produced weapons and equipment and by adding the weapons and equipment we purchased from abroad to the potential of our Army. The combat capability of our Armed Forces has greatly increased, the number of the Special Forces has been increased several times, and the newly established Commando Forces today consist of thousands of soldiers and officers.”
The Washington document became a turning point for the peace process in the region
In 2025, the peace agenda put forward by Azerbaijan for the post-conflict period gained broad support on international platforms. The document, initialed in Washington with the participation of the President of the United States, is regarded as an important political signal marking the transition in the region from confrontation to dialogue and cooperation. This process demonstrates that even in the post-conflict stage, Azerbaijan continues to pursue a constructive line based on international law, the sovereignty of states, and principles of mutual trust. While firmly and consistently defending its position, the Government of Azerbaijan also puts forward and implements practical initiatives aimed at ensuring sustainable peace. The peace agenda proposed by Azerbaijan creates new opportunities for the opening of regional communications, economic integration, and mutually beneficial cooperation. As a result, Azerbaijan acts not only as a party that has brought the conflict to an end, but also as one of the key actors in shaping a long-term stability model.
Reconstruction, reintegration, and the Great Return
The State of Azerbaijan continues a systematic and phased large-scale reconstruction and restoration process in the territories liberated from occupation. The “Great Return” program, the implementation of which began in 2022, is carried out as a comprehensive state strategy aimed not only at restoring infrastructure but also at improving social welfare, restoring economic activity, and further strengthening national unity.
The construction of new roads, tunnels, bridges, electricity and gas lines, and water infrastructure continues in the liberated territories.
The reconstruction is carried out in parallel with de-mining operations. For this purpose, extensive resources have been mobilized, and the activity of ANAMA has been strengthened within the framework of cooperation with international partners. Along with all this, urban planning in the regions is implemented in accordance with the “smart city” concept. A green energy infrastructure is being formed, the hydro-energy potential of the Kalbajar-Lachin zone is being mobilized, and the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions have been declared “green energy zones.” The main goal is the full reintegration of the territories, the formation of a modern and sustainable living environment, and the safe return of people to their homelands.
President Ilham Aliyev stated in his address that today large-scale construction works are being carried out throughout the country, and development is observed in every region: “We are successfully implementing the ‘Great Return’ Program, and today major construction works are underway in the territories liberated from occupation. Nearly 70,000 people already live, work, and study there. Former internally displaced persons have been settled in 32 villages, settlements, and cities, and the best conditions have been created for them.”
Independent policy and strengthening international reputation
In recent years, the international reputation of the Republic of Azerbaijan has significantly increased, and our country is recognized as a reliable, predictable, and responsible partner in global political processes. The Government of Azerbaijan continues its independent political course based on the principles of equal cooperation and mutual respect. Any external influence or interference in the country’s domestic and foreign policy is unacceptable, and the protection of national interests is maintained as a priority. Today, Azerbaijan acts as a sovereign actor that openly expresses its national position and pursues a policy based solely on state interests.
“Today, Azerbaijan is treated with great respect around the world. It is no coincidence that the world’s leading international actors are putting forward various proposals to cooperate with Azerbaijan. Our foreign policy is multi-vector, and this policy is successfully pursued in many directions,” President Ilham Aliyev emphasized.
In 2025, Azerbaijan’s diplomatic activity was particularly notable. The ECO Summit held in Khankendi and the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States organized in Gabala are among the important political events confirming that Azerbaijan has become one of the centers of regional cooperation platforms. The decisions adopted within the framework of these events have significantly contributed not only to the development of economic and political relations, but also to the deepening of integration processes in the Turkic world.
President Ilham Aliyev recalled that many prestigious international events were held in our country this year: “Among them, I should particularly highlight the ECO Summit held in Khankendi, which was liberated from occupation. The Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Gabala was also another important step toward the unity of the Turkic world, which is our family. Our close cooperation with many international organizations aligns with our interests. We have always supported equal partnership.”
Economic stability and financial resilience
In recent years, the economy of Azerbaijan has maintained sustainable development trends and has acted as an example of stability and financial discipline on a regional scale. Ensuring macroeconomic stability, minimizing risks in the financial sector, and pursuing a policy aimed at developing the non-oil sector have further strengthened the country’s economic security.
With regard to economic development, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan can be proud of the achievements obtained this year: “Our foreign exchange reserves have reached a historic record level – more than 80 billion US dollars. Our foreign debt has decreased further and today accounts for only 6.3 percent of our gross domestic product. Meanwhile, in some developed countries this figure reaches 100 percent or even more. Our foreign exchange reserves exceed our foreign debt by 16 times, and it is no coincidence that the world’s leading rating agencies have upgraded Azerbaijan’s credit rating – they have raised our investment rating to a positive level.”
The stability of Azerbaijan’s economy, the strength of its financial resources, and its low level of indebtedness not only ensure the country’s resilience to external pressures and risks but also create a strong foundation for the successful implementation of its long-term development strategy.
The Solidarity Day of World Azerbaijanis and the strength of national unity
In the context of the Solidarity Day of World Azerbaijanis, the most important message conveyed by the Government of Azerbaijan is that regardless of the country in which they live, every Azerbaijani stands behind a strong, determined, and responsible Azerbaijani state. The protection of the rights and national-moral interests of compatriots living abroad has been defined as one of the priority directions of state policy. The Azerbaijani state consistently supports the strengthening of the activities of diaspora organizations, their organization into more effective network-based structures, and the defense of national positions on the international stage. This policy contributes both to the strengthening of national unity and to the expansion of the capabilities of Azerbaijan’s diaspora diplomacy.
The President emphasized that the solidarity of world Azerbaijanis further strengthens both the political influence of the Azerbaijani state on a global scale and national unity: “Today is also the Solidarity Day of World Azerbaijanis. On this occasion, I would like to sincerely congratulate all Azerbaijanis living around the world. They should know, and they do know, that there is a strong Azerbaijani state standing behind them. Some events in 2025 once again showed that regardless of which country they live in, the fate of every Azerbaijani is valuable and important to us, and what unites us – Azerbaijanis – is our common history, our language, our roots, and our culture. Azerbaijanis, regardless of where they live, know and must know that their Motherland is the independent State of Azerbaijan.”
Thus, the overall picture of 2025 shows that Azerbaijan has strengthened its position in the international system not only as a state that achieved a military Victory but also as a strong actor that consistently consolidates this Victory in political, economic, and diplomatic dimensions. Strong political will, unity between the people and the state, an independent foreign policy course, and a balanced economic model have ensured that our country is recognized as a reliable partner in regional and global processes. The continuation of this strategic course is regarded as one of the main guarantees of Azerbaijan’s future development, sovereignty, and national security.
