Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Baku serves as a platform for discussing current issues on the international agenda, bringing together various states and international organizations. The VII Global Baku Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, which began its work in Baku, is another example of this process. The forum, attended by representatives from different countries around the world, discusses intercultural relations, peace, security, and ways to solve global problems. In a period when contradictions in international relations are deepening and mutual trust is being tested, Baku hosting such discussions is of particular importance. The initiatives put forward by Azerbaijan expand our country’s participation in international dialogue, strengthening Baku’s position as a destination for political and cultural discussions on a global scale. The significance of the forum lies not only in bringing states together but also in creating an environment for exchanging ideas and mutual understanding to solve common problems.
The ideas voiced by President Ilham Aliyev at the opening of the VII Global Baku Forum on Intercultural Dialogue attracted the world’s attention. In his speech, the head of state extensively covered Azerbaijan’s historical and geographical position, multiculturalism traditions, national unity, protection of state independence, restoration of territorial integrity, international law, and double standards in world politics. The ideas expressed reflected the historical path our country has traversed, its independent statehood experience, and its approach to international relations. Azerbaijan’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia has historically given our country a unique place among different cultures. The traditions formed in this geography, where various peoples and religious communities have lived for centuries, are an integral part of our people’s cultural heritage. President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that the traditions of multiculturalism, religious, and ethnic tolerance have been preserved by our people for centuries, characterizing the harmony in society as one of the main factors of our stable development.
Azerbaijan’s multiculturalism experience is based on the equal rights of different peoples and religious communities, mutual respect, and common statehood values. The inclusion of the idea of Azerbaijanism in the President’s speech also shows the importance of national solidarity for our statehood. Azerbaijanism is one of the main principles that unite various ethnic groups living in our country around the idea of a common statehood, serving to protect our independence and national unity.
Speaking about Azerbaijan’s history of independence, the head of state stated that despite living under various political systems, our people have preserved their language, national values, customs, and way of life. With the restoration of independence, Azerbaijan became the master of its own destiny, gaining the opportunity to defend its national interests and strengthen its statehood. The issue of the Karabakh conflict, international law, and double standards was also widely covered in President Ilham Aliyev’s speech. Recalling the fruitless long-term negotiations and the non-implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, the head of state emphasized that Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty by exercising its right to self-defense. Azerbaijan’s experience showed that the principles of international law should not remain on paper, and adopted decisions must be implemented. The President’s stance on double standards was also based on this issue. The head of state highlighted the importance of respecting the sovereignty and legal equality of states in international relations.
Thus, the VII Global Baku Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, held under the theme “Dialogue for Common Future,” once again demonstrated Azerbaijan’s contribution to the development of international dialogue, the preservation of peace, and the strengthening of mutual understanding among peoples. President Ilham Aliyev’s speech reflected our country’s historical experience, national unity, independent position, and approach based on international law. The forum confirmed once again that building a common future must be based on mutual respect, justice, and respect for the sovereignty of states.
Cavid Əliyev,
YAP fəalı