Shusha, July 13 — At the opening ceremony of the Fourth Shusha Global Media Forum on «The Mission of Media in Promoting Peace: Restoring Truth and Rebuilding Trust,» President Ilham Aliyev delivered important messages.
The head of state emphasized that the forum created a platform for mutual discussion among media representatives, and stressed the importance of foreign guests witnessing firsthand the large-scale reconstruction work underway in Karabakh and the tragic consequences of the occupation period.
Key points from the President’s speech:
Azerbaijan-Turkey Strategic Partnership
- The head of state described Azerbaijan-Turkey relations as unparalleled in the world. Noting that political, economic, energy and interpersonal relations are at a high level, the President stated that there is no other example in the world of two countries as close to each other as Azerbaijan and Turkey.
Regional Cooperation and Transit Potential
- The President noted Azerbaijan’s active role in the formation of East-West and North-South transport corridors, and emphasized the successful results of strategic cooperation established with neighboring countries, particularly Central Asia, Georgia and European countries.
- Consistent political, economic and infrastructure steps have been taken over many years to transform the country into a transit hub.
Azerbaijan’s Strategic Geographic Position
- The President stated that the strategic importance of Azerbaijan’s geographic position has grown faster than expected. Against the backdrop of tensions in the Middle East, Azerbaijan’s role in the international logistics system through air transport, as well as land and sea routes, has increased significantly.
In his speech, the head of state reiterated the fundamental role of the cooperative environment in the successful implementation of energy projects and the expansion of transport infrastructure.