The recent interview of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev with Saudi Arabia’s Al Arabiya TV channel has been widely covered by major media outlets across multiple countries, reflecting strong international interest in Azerbaijan’s regional and global stance.
Coverage emphasized President Aliyev’s remarks on several key issues, including the normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, the political relevance of the Washington meeting, Azerbaijan-Russia relations, and other pressing global topics, The Caspian Post reports via local media.
In Türkiye, leading media such as Anadolu Agency, Haber Türk, Haber Global, TRT Avaz, Hürriyet, Yeni Şafak, Yirmidördtv, Ahaber, Haber.tr, Haber7, Ekonomim, and Yeni Akit focused extensively on President Aliyev’s comments regarding the Zangezur corridor, Syrian-Israeli tensions, and Türkiye’s growing global influence. His statement-“The Zangezur corridor will not only be an East-West transport corridor but also a North-South transport corridor”-was widely quoted and presented as a pivotal message on regional integration. Turkish outlets also reported on his perspectives related to broader geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
In Kazakhstan, platforms such as Inbusiness.kz, Tengrinews.kz, Newtimes.kz, and Inform.kz concentrated on President Aliyev’s comments about the AZAL plane incident near Aktau, which involved a civilian aircraft targeted by Russian forces. Citing the President, reports highlighted Azerbaijan’s strong discontent, with him stating: “It was only thanks to the professionalism and courage of the pilots that the plane was able to land. Fortunately, the plane landed in Kazakhstan and not in Russia.” Meanwhile, Arbatmedia.kz focused on Azerbaijan’s emerging energy diplomacy in the Middle East, quoting Aliyev: “Undoubtedly, entering the Middle Eastern market with our natural resources is a first experience for us.” His comments on gas deliveries to Syria and regional energy routes were also featured.
In Ukraine, outlets like RBK-Ukraine, Korrespondent, Gordon, and Obozrevatel spotlighted Azerbaijan’s consistent support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. President Aliyev’s reaffirmation that Azerbaijan supports the territorial integrity of all states, rooted in its own experience of territorial violations, was prominently quoted. Ukrainian media also referenced his comments on Soviet-era decisions regarding Western Zangezur and Nakhchivan, as well as his reflections on the Washington meeting and ties with former US President Donald Trump.
In Russia, TASS emphasized the strategic significance of the Zangezur corridor and the importance of the Washington agreement between Baku and Yerevan. Reports underlined President Aliyev’s view that this agreement affirmed mutual recognition of territorial integrity. He also issued a warning: Armenia's withdrawal from the deal would carry “serious consequences”, to which Azerbaijan would respond. The President also stressed that the corridor would enhance regional cooperation between Azerbaijan, Russia, and Iran.
Interfax echoed those themes, citing the President’s endorsement of the peace agreement and his belief that the Washington meeting opened new doors for the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The agency also detailed his criticism of Moscow, noting its responsibility for deteriorating Azerbaijan-Russia relations. Aliyev condemned the AZAL incident, attacks on Azerbaijanis in Russia, and reiterated that Azerbaijan’s responses have remained measured and lawful.
In Georgia, media such as interpressnews.ge, palitranews.ge, aktual.ge, resonancedaily.com, 24news.ge, and 1tv.ge highlighted the President’s insights on U.S. foreign policy, Donald Trump’s peace efforts, concerns about the “deep state”, the Zangezur corridor, Iranian rhetoric, and the AZAL aircraft case.
In Bulgaria, prominent outlets including Novini, Blitz, and Actualno carried President Aliyev’s commentary on Azerbaijan-Russia relations and historical grievances. The media quoted him on the Soviet occupation of Azerbaijan and the 1920 handover of Western Zangezur, which he said “divided Azerbaijan into two parts.”
Similarly, Romania’s Adevarsıcuraj.ro reported on the same historical narrative. The President’s reflection on Soviet Russia's role in undermining the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and creating Nakhchivan’s enclave status was emphasized.
