On January 20, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to the Chinese television channel CGTN in Davos, where he outlined key aspects of the country’s domestic and foreign policy, its economic achievements, strategic priorities, and role in global affairs.
One of the central topics of the interview was the full restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. The president emphasized that this historic success was achieved in strict accordance with the principles of international law and the UN Charter. For nearly three decades, it had been a national aspiration, uniting society and mobilizing all state resources to achieve justice. However, international institutions provided no real assistance, and Azerbaijan had to resolve the issue on its own.
This experience demonstrates to the world the necessity of respecting international obligations and shows how the consistent defense of national interests and an independent policy can lead to success. In this context, Aliyev stressed that stability and unity within the country are the foundation of its foreign policy independence.
Despite global crises, Azerbaijan has demonstrated steady economic growth, successfully minimizing external risks. In the interview, the president noted that the country’s economy remains self-sufficient, with an external debt level of only 6.9% of GDP. Thanks to this, Azerbaijan has been able to implement large-scale projects in transportation, energy, and environmental sectors, strengthening its role in international logistics corridors.
Special attention was given to the development of transport infrastructure and cooperation with China and Central Asian countries within the framework of the Middle Corridor project. President Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan is not merely seeking to become a transit country but also aims to create logistics and production capacities along the route, providing new opportunities for business. He also noted that the country is actively investing in the modernization of the Baku port, railway networks, and infrastructure, which will allow it to increase freight traffic to 25 million tons over the next 5-6 years.
Aliyev also highlighted the modernization of freight transport along the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars section and the construction of the Horadiz-Aghband railway, which is part of the Zangezur transport corridor. He stressed that Azerbaijan is actively participating in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, expanding transport corridors that ensure stability and security in global trade.
Azerbaijan is taking significant steps in developing renewable energy. In the interview, Aliyev emphasized that countries with fossil fuel resources have a responsibility to invest in green technologies. In this regard, Azerbaijan is actively attracting foreign investors and creating favorable conditions for the renewable energy sector. By 2027, the share of renewables in the national energy system is expected to reach 33%, and by 2030, the installed capacity should reach 6 gigawatts.
Aliyev also highlighted China’s leading role in developing and reducing the cost of green energy technologies, noting that Azerbaijani projects actively use Chinese equipment, including solar panels and battery storage systems. At COP29, Azerbaijan signed an agreement with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to build an underwater energy cable across the Caspian Sea, while also implementing a project to lay a cable to Europe along the Black Sea seabed.
In the interview, the Azerbaijani president also expressed his views on the concept of political leadership in the modern world. In his opinion, the key qualities of a true leader are responsibility and honesty toward the people. He stressed that public trust is built not through populist promises but through consistent and transparent actions. Aliyev noted that since taking office, he has always openly communicated information to society, whether positive or negative, which has been one of the key factors in the country’s resilience and unity.
A separate topic of discussion was Baku’s expectations regarding the change in the U.S. administration. Aliyev noted that during Donald Trump’s first term, Azerbaijan-U.S. relations developed positively, unlike the following four years, when Washington’s policy toward Baku deteriorated. The president expressed hope for the restoration of bilateral cooperation, emphasizing that during Trump’s presidency, the U.S. did not initiate new military conflicts, which contributed to global stability.
The president also spoke about the challenges associated with global geopolitical instability, noting that modern challenges stem from former colonial powers attempting to continue imposing their will on other nations. In this context, he stressed the importance of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.
Ilham Aliyev’s interview with the Chinese channel CGTN served as a strategic statement on Azerbaijan’s role in global affairs. The president demonstrated confidence in the country’s growing status, its ability to tackle contemporary challenges, strengthen the economy, and develop diplomatic ties. Special attention was given to strategic partnerships with China, Europe, and Central Asian countries, as well as Azerbaijan’s role in ensuring global energy security and advancing green energy development.
