Power is the ability to foresee the future - a gift possessed by only a few national leaders. Among them stand such political titans as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Azerbaijan's National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. With his extensive experience and broad understanding of global affairs, he accurately identifies the direction of international developments. This was particularly evident during the opening ceremony of the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, held on 13 July in Shusha under the theme "The Role of Media in Promoting Peace: Restoring Truth and Building Trust."

The forum brought together 160 participants from 53 countries, including representatives of 30 news agencies, more than 60 media organizations, and 10 international organizations. Over the past four years, the forum has welcomed nearly 600 media representatives from 81 countries.

Opening the forum, President Ilham Aliyev stated:

"The idea behind the forum is to create an environment where media representatives from around the world can discuss pressing issues while also becoming familiar with Karabakh and Shusha. I am confident that our guests can see the development of Karabakh and the reconstruction efforts underway. If, during their first visit, they saw ruins, today they see cities, people living in new homes. The forum reflects today's challenges, and the atmosphere here is very positive."

The President then answered questions from forum participants.

Ken Moriyasu (Hudson Institute):

Azerbaijan enjoys a unique geographical location. Are we entering an era in which land corridors will become as strategically important as maritime routes? How do you see Azerbaijan's role over the next decade?

Photo: AZERTAC

President Ilham Aliyev:

"We have worked for many years to build connectivity by making use of our geographical advantages. We have created the necessary physical infrastructure. Without cooperation with neighboring countries, it is impossible to become a transit country. Across Eurasia, we are developing cooperation in the eastern, western, northern, and southern directions. Our energy projects, in which Azerbaijan is both the initiator and the principal financial contributor, help address the energy security needs of many countries. The situation in the Middle East makes our corridor even more attractive. We are expanding the capacity of our seaport, which will become the largest on the Caspian Sea, and we are building new vessels at our shipbuilding yard."

Yusuf Özhan (Anadolu Agency):

Türkiye and Azerbaijan are said to be two halves of one apple. What message would you like to send to the Turkish people?

President Ilham Aliyev:

"My message is one of friendship and brotherhood. We are the closest countries in the world. We are not merely friends - we are allies. Five years ago in Shusha, we signed the Shusha Declaration, elevating our relations to the level of an alliance. If misfortune befalls one of us, the other will come to its aid with all its capabilities, including military power."

Cristian Augustin Niculescu-Țâgârlaș (Romanian Senator):

Azerbaijan has restored its territorial integrity. How do you see the improvement of relations with the Council of Europe?

President Ilham Aliyev:

"Relations with the European Commission are improving. As for PACE, we see an entirely different picture. Until September 2023, when we fully liberated our territories from separatists and Armenia's occupying forces, Azerbaijan had never been subjected to sanctions. In January 2024, we were stripped of our voting rights in order to punish us for restoring our sovereignty. We are seriously considering the possibility of completely withdrawing from the Council of Europe. We are not seeking conflict, but if we are deprived of our voting rights without legitimate grounds, then why should we remain there?"

Ramiz Yunus (Political Analyst):

How do you assess Section 907 today? Do you see a real possibility of its complete repeal under the administration of US President Donald Trump?

President Ilham Aliyev:

"Section 907 was an unjust decision adopted by the US Congress in 1992. Today, it is completely outdated. Azerbaijan and Armenia initialed a peace agreement at the White House with the participation of President Trump. We have lifted all transit restrictions for Armenia and even supply them with fuel. The amendment should be repealed. Relations with President Trump's administration are excellent and have reached the level of a strategic partnership. The United States has lifted its arms embargo on Azerbaijan, followed by the United Kingdom and other EU member states."

Zaid Al-Nawayseh (Jordan):

How do the international events hosted by Azerbaijan contribute to strengthening Islamic solidarity?

President Ilham Aliyev:

"Next year we will host the summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Azerbaijan has always promoted solidarity. Unfortunately, today we see growing tensions and conflicts in different regions. Solidarity is a factor of security. Our experience as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement and during COP29 demonstrated that we are capable of bringing together parties holding opposing positions."

Jane Witherspoon (Euronews):

Azerbaijan now supplies gas to 16 countries. What is the significance of Germany and Austria? How do you see the future of relations with the European Union?

President Ilham Aliyev:

"Europe is a premium market. We are expanding the geography of our exports. Since 2022, we have increased gas supplies to the European Union by 65 percent. We need long-term contracts in order to invest in expanding our infrastructure. We are ready to normalize relations with the European Union, and the intensity of visits by EU leaders to Azerbaijan this year has been unprecedented."

Joshua Klein (Breitbart News):

What has been President Trump's contribution to peace in the region?

President Ilham Aliyev:

Photo: AZERTAC

"President Trump's approach differs fundamentally from that of previous administrations, which for decades pursued a policy of freezing the conflict. President Trump is a leader who seeks peace. His team helped shape the framework for a peace agreement. The Zangezur Corridor, which will connect mainland Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan, has been designated TRIPP. We are grateful to President Trump and his team for the decisive role they played in achieving peace."

Cédric Monzier Ayoundou (Voice of Congo):

How can independent media help change neo-colonial narratives?

President Ilham Aliyev:

"The Baku Initiative Group is the first effective NGO to consistently raise the issue of colonialism. France, while speaking about human rights, persecutes those who oppose its colonial policies. We support the independence of New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and other territories. This has nothing to do with our bilateral relations with France - it is a matter of the fundamental principles of international conduct."

Dmytro Gordon (Media Gordon Ukraine):

What advice would you give Ukraine today?

President Ilham Aliyev:

"Never reconcile yourselves with occupation. Azerbaijan has always supported Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. We stand ready to provide any assistance - it comes from the heart."

Alexey Naumov (Russian Institute for Strategic Studies):

How do you see Russia's role in the new South Caucasus?

President Ilham Aliyev:

"Relations with Russia have normalized. The South Caucasus has changed, and the old approaches no longer work. The region must become a zone of peace, free from geopolitical rivalry. We support the '3+3' format and believe that regional issues should be resolved by the countries of the region themselves."

Mikhail Gusman (TASS):

What are the principal strategic threats facing Azerbaijan?

President Ilham Aliyev:

"We face no internal risks. All risks come from outside. The only real danger is attempts to draw Azerbaijan into various adventures. We have learned how to resist such pressures and defend our borders. There will be no permanently peaceful life; the struggle for sovereignty and national dignity must be continuous."

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It should be noted that through his precise and concise answers, President Ilham Aliyev clearly outlined a range of issues that extend far beyond the South Caucasus and the Middle East, touching upon the broader architecture of the global economy and international politics. The well-being and prosperity of every country are closely interconnected with those of other nations, regardless of their size or population. It is for this reason that Azerbaijan continues to pursue a consistent policy of peace, good-neighborly relations, and mutual understanding - an approach that continues to strengthen the country's international standing and influence.