In the late last century, in independent Azerbaijan, which separated from the one-party system, new political organizations were established. However, parties that pursued populism emerged from the political interests of individuals and were formed around them. Personal political ambitions played a primary role in the creation of these structures, and their activities were defined within the framework of those interests. The establishment of the New Azerbaijan Party, on the other hand, arose from the political and social demands of the people. This political institution, a new breath for independent Azerbaijan, embodied the will of the people, the thought of statehood, and faith in the future. The New Azerbaijan Party was created by the people. That is why, from the day it was founded, the New Azerbaijan Party became the party of the people.
As a party of salvation and victory, the New Azerbaijan Party, leaving its unique mark on Azerbaijan’s political history, served our people as a great center of political power under the leadership of the beloved son of the Azerbaijani people, National Leader Heydar Aliyev, carrying the ideas of national statehood to the political arena. The New Azerbaijan Party, whose political path began with the name of Heydar Aliyev, over time played a crucial role in strengthening the traditions of statehood and expressing the national will on the political stage. This political path, continuing with new historical realities under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, has served to further strengthen Azerbaijan’s state power and political stability. The epochal journey from Salvation to Victory has created a great chronicle in the political history of the New Azerbaijan Party, characterized by reliance on the will of the people, national solidarity, and the determination for statehood. The holding of the VIII Congress of the New Azerbaijan Party, the largest political institution in the region, in our country, which has fully restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty, was of particular historical significance. The speech by Ilham Aliyev, as the leader of the victorious party and the President of the victorious country, at the Congress provided unforgettable and proud moments. The expression of the path from Salvation to Victory, a struggle that lasted for many years, at such a congress was etched into memory as a new page in our history of statehood.
In his speech at the Congress, President Ilham Aliyev extensively touched upon the role of the New Azerbaijan Party in our history of statehood, the achievements made, and the tasks ahead, evaluating the party’s establishment as a political expression of the people’s demand to protect statehood. Linking the return of the great leader Heydar Aliyev to power with bringing Azerbaijan out of a severe crisis, ensuring stability, creating economic foundations, and defining a statehood strategy, he pointed out that the country’s economic and military capabilities have been strengthened and its international position has been consolidated as a continuation of this political line. The President stated that our historic victories are the result of military and diplomatic preparation, noting that the full restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty has created new realities in the region.
Among the issues for the future period, the increase of military power, the protection of security, the restoration of Karabakh and East Zangezur, and the continuation of the Great Return were set as main directions. The head of our country emphasized that strengthening defense capabilities is one of the main conditions for state security against the backdrop of increasing conflicts in the world, and stated that Azerbaijan will continue its independent and multifaceted policy. At the same time, the President conveyed his thoughts on the main directions of state policy regarding the expansion of strategic partnership, increased activity in international organizations, and actions based on national interests.
The speech of the head of state was memorable with important statements, covering a broad political line from the role of YAP in the history of statehood to the tasks facing Azerbaijan in the post-victory period. The proposed amendments to the charter at the congress of the New Azerbaijan Party, the determination of the new composition of the Audit Commission and the Board of Directors, served as an example of the party’s activity in line with modern challenges and the formation of a new operational model that takes into account political, social, and societal realities.
Thus, the VIII Congress of YAP once again defined the tasks facing the party in protecting the policy of statehood, strengthening national will, ensuring security, and continuing the path of independent development. Because YAP, as the political expression of statehood ideas, has left an indelible mark on the destiny of our people as a political institution serving the realization of the goals facing the future development of our country. YAP, playing an active role in the realization of the tasks set on the path of statehood, will consistently continue its activities for the success of Azerbaijan as a symbol of our national will in the coming period. This path will continue with the preservation of statehood traditions and the further strengthening of national solidarity. The party’s political line will continue to be directed towards the implementation of the tasks set for the stability, security, and sustainable development of our country.
The VIII Congress of YAP once again demonstrated the continuity of this political line. Because the New Azerbaijan Party is the political address of our nation’s ideological thought, the home of each of us. The sanctity of this home begins with the love for the great Heydar Aliyev and preserves its existence with the values cherished in the hearts of the people. YAP is the address of love for each of us, the light where our sense of belonging lives. In this light lives the name of Heydar Aliyev, his statehood legacy, and the love for independent Azerbaijan he bestowed upon our people.
Rəşad Mahmudov,
Member of the Board of YAP,
Member of the Parliament