In a landmark address at the "Fight Against Disinformation" media forum, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared that the South Caucasus is undergoing a profound historical transformation. The event took place in Shushi, a city with significant historical and strategic importance, recently reclaimed by Azerbaijan from Armenian control.
“We are witnessing a historical transformation in the South Caucasus, characterized by significant geopolitical and historical changes,” President Aliyev stated. He emphasized the shifting dynamics in regional alliances and the emergence of new cooperation formats.
“Traditional alliances have weakened, and new forms of collaboration have emerged. The most critical event in this context is the restoration of our territorial integrity and sovereignty last September. This achievement stands out not only between the first and second forum but also as a pivotal moment in our modern history,” Aliyev continued.
The President’s remarks reflect the broader regional shifts following Azerbaijan’s decisive actions in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The ceasefire agreement brokered in 2020, which ended weeks of intense fighting, resulted in significant territorial gains for Azerbaijan. This development has altered the geopolitical landscape, with implications for regional stability and international relations.
Aliyev’s speech also addressed the importance of combating disinformation, particularly in the context of recent conflicts. The forum, aimed at promoting factual reporting and countering false narratives, underscores Azerbaijan’s commitment to transparency and accurate information dissemination.
In addition to his focus on geopolitical changes, Aliyev highlighted ongoing infrastructure and economic projects designed to bolster the region’s development. These initiatives include the reconstruction of liberated territories, efforts to restore cultural heritage sites, and plans to enhance economic connectivity through new transport and energy corridors.
International observers have noted the strategic significance of Azerbaijan's infrastructure projects, which aim to integrate the South Caucasus more closely with global trade routes. This includes the development of the Zangezur Corridor, envisioned to link mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave and further to Turkey, enhancing regional trade and cooperation.
The forum in Shushi also served as a platform for discussing the broader implications of Azerbaijan’s territorial gains. The discussions highlighted the need for sustainable peace and the role of international organizations in supporting post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation efforts.
As the South Caucasus navigates this period of transformation, the actions and policies of regional leaders like President Aliyev will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the region. The ongoing developments in Azerbaijan and its neighboring countries will continue to attract international attention, with potential ramifications for global geopolitical dynamics.
