Azerbaijan, a space where global initiatives are promoted, a dialogue environment is formed, and world-affecting problems are discussed, sets an example for the world as a center of mutual respect, tolerance, and coexistence. In the modern world order, where double standards and hybrid threats prevail, Azerbaijan, which serves as an example in restoring justice, contributes to solving humanity’s common problems and strengthening understanding between peoples and cultures, as noted by the President of Azerbaijan, who is recognized as an island of stability in an unstable region.
The purpose of the VII Global Intercultural Dialogue Forum held in Baku on the theme “Dialogue for a Common Future” was precisely to promote these principles and strengthen mutual understanding between different cultures and civilizations. The Baku Forum, which brought together representatives from various countries, political figures, and representatives of international organizations, served as an important platform for strengthening trust, expanding cooperation, and developing dialogue for a common future.
The head of our country, by listing the problems caused by the policy of double standards, declared the importance of completely removing this approach from international politics. This also means that the world belongs to all of us, and the criteria of justice must always be at the forefront of international relations. The application of different measures towards states and the subordination of law to political interests complicate the resolution of global problems and seriously damage international trust. Independent policy is one of the main conditions for protecting the sovereignty and national interests of countries. This principled stance is one of the factors that has earned Azerbaijan, which pursues an independent policy, great respect in the international arena. Our country’s extensive international contacts and relations with various states demonstrate Azerbaijan’s position as a reliable and respected partner in the international community.
Having suffered from double standards for many years, our country liberated its occupied territories based on the UN Charter and the right to self-defense. With this, Azerbaijan achieved the restoration of international law and justice and ensured the implementation of the resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council in 1993.
The head of our state rightly declared that double standards are also manifested in the attempts of certain circles to lecture other countries about their way of life. The President sharply criticized this approach, stating that circles trying to lecture someone should first ask themselves. What right do they have to criticize others and impose their way of life on other peoples? Undoubtedly, such approaches are not only unjust but also lead to a weakening of trust in international relations, a violation of mutual understanding between peoples, and the creation of artificial obstacles to global development.
Today, there are numerous conflicts in the world. President Ilham Aliyev, while speaking about our historic victory, touched upon an important point, stating that after Armenia signed the act of capitulation, Azerbaijan immediately stopped and offered peace to the opposing side. In today’s world, where wars, threats, and confrontations prevail, this is an important experience demonstrated by Azerbaijan. Our country’s example shows that political will and concrete steps are crucial for resolving conflicts, ensuring lasting peace, and preventing future confrontations. Touching upon the environment of solidarity and mutual understanding in our country, the head of state noted that the ideology of Azerbaijanism, our national idea, brings together all the peoples living in our country. The whole world clearly saw the strength of this unity in the Second Karabakh War. The unity of representatives of different ethnic groups and religions around the “Iron Fist” in the war became a symbol of our unforgettable victory. Because Azerbaijan, as a country where mutual respect, religious and national tolerance, and solidarity among peoples prevail, demonstrates the strength of our national unity to the whole world by uniting its citizens of different ethnic and religious backgrounds around the ideology of Azerbaijanism.
Azerbaijan, which ensures a fair approach and an environment of tolerance in our country, strives to apply these principles worldwide.
In this regard, the Global Intercultural Dialogue Forum held in Baku has also become the focus of global attention in recent years as an effective and inclusive platform for discussing urgent issues on the global agenda, strengthening mutual understanding between different cultures and civilizations, and identifying common solutions. It should be noted that the international prestige of the Forum is an indicator of the importance Azerbaijan attaches to the development of intercultural dialogue. The activities of such platforms are extremely important in a situation where discrimination, confrontation, and distrust on religious and national grounds are increasing in the modern world. The hosting of such a prestigious event in our country is an indicator of the international prestige of the President of Azerbaijan, the principled stance of our state, and the international acceptance of its initiatives aimed at solving global problems.
Thus, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan is defining the path from intercultural dialogue to global solidarity, and from mutual understanding to a common future. This approach was clearly demonstrated once again at the Global Intercultural Dialogue Forum held in Baku.
Rəşad Mahmudov,
Member of the YAP Board,
Member of Parliament