Azerbaijan actively engages in diplomatic efforts to promote peace and justice on the global as well as on regional stage. Azerbaijan has always worked towards resolving regional conflicts, advocating for the rule of law, and addressing global challenges by participating in international forums like the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the Non-Aligned Movement and many other regional and intra-regional platforms.

President Ilham Aliyev's robust efforts, along with effective strategies, have contributed to cooperation and stability at the regional, local, and international levels. His dynamic leadership always aims for prosperity and well being of the Azerbaijani people.

Azerbaijan's foreign policy is based on pragmatism, inclusivity, openness, and mutual understanding. Azerbaijan provides a road map for achieving peace in the South Caucasus and an excellent future.

Regional Connectivity through trade linkages:

Azerbaijan has been actively involved in promoting regional connectivity. The country has invested in the development of transportation infrastructure, including roads, railways, and ports, to enhance peace, cooperation, and new business opportunities. The transportation and connectivity facilities that Azerbaijan has constructed, including the Baku International Sea Trade Port and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway, complements the Zangezur Corridor. The Zangezur Corridor would promote both regional and national economic development and trade.

The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline and the South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP) for natural gas are major projects that have increased regional energy connectivity.

Azerbaijan delivers efficient, safe, and reliable logistics services to its current and increasing flagship connectivity projects. Azerbaijan's dedication to ensuring that border crossings and customs services are more integrated, optimized, synchronized, secure, and digital in order to accomplish the demands of the global market and keep trade flowing freely. The government has made efforts to enhance digital connectivity, expand access to information and communication technologies (ICTs). The country has invested in broadband infrastructure, e-government services, and initiatives to promote digital literacy, which contribute to regional connectivity in the digital sphere.

The region will benefit from the massive development of Azerbaijan’s transport networks along the East-West, North-South, and South-West routes, which contributes to fostering closer regional ties and facilitating economic integration. The main characteristics of new corridors and projects include sustainable economic development, social advancement, simple financial flow, managing logistics, and modern transport and communication facilities. President Ilham Aliyev supports further development, growth, connectivity, collaboration, and integration by actively participating in the Belt and Road Initiative and providing freight transportation between Asia and Europe.

Peace Initiatives:

In March 2022, Azerbaijan published a proposal containing five fundamental criteria for the restoration of diplomatic ties with Armenia as part of its efforts to conclude a peace treaty with Armenia.

Azerbaijan is always committed to peace negotiations and always be its willingness to engage in talks with Armenia to resolve all outstanding issues. President Ilham Aliyev had stated that Azerbaijan is ready to work towards lasting peace and the development of the region.

He urged the international community to convince Armenia to accept his government's offer, abide by its international obligations, stop its illegal activities, territorial claims, and political and military provocations, and engage in genuinely direct negotiations. Azerbaijan has always stood for peace accords based on international norms, standards and values. It stands by internationalism, humanism and the right side of history, and promotes peace and prosperity around the world.

Azerbaijan's unwavering efforts towards achieving lasting peace in the region are reflected in its commitment to peaceful negotiations, development, cooperation and adherence to international values. Azerbaijan strives for a prosperous and stable environment for its people and region.

It is noteworthy that the role of President Ilham Aliyev in promoting global peace, justice, development, and pragmatism is dynamic in nature.

Khalid Taimur Akram is an Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad.

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