On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev delivered a significant address to the United Nations General Assembly, outlining his country’s commitment to fostering peace with Armenia and strengthening ties with the United States. In a speech that resonated with themes of reconciliation, strategic partnerships, and global responsibility, Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan’s proactive role in regional stability, energy security, and climate action. His remarks underscored a pivotal moment in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy, marking a shift toward bilateral diplomacy with Armenia and a deepening of strategic cooperation with the United States. Additionally, Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s leadership in hosting the COP29 climate conference, its contributions to global energy markets, and its economic diversification efforts. This address, delivered at a time of global geopolitical shifts, positioned Azerbaijan as a key player in addressing both regional and international challenges.
A New Chapter in Azerbaijan-Armenia Relations
The cornerstone of President Aliyev’s address was Azerbaijan’s commitment to reconciliation with Armenia, a nation with which it has been embroiled in conflict for decades, primarily over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The dispute, which dates back to the late 1980s, has been a source of tension in the South Caucasus, resulting in two wars, significant loss of life, and widespread displacement. The most recent conflict, in 2020, ended with a Russian-brokered ceasefire that saw Azerbaijan regain control over territories it had lost in the early 1990s. Since then, efforts to normalize relations between Baku and Yerevan have been a focal point of regional diplomacy.
Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan’s dedication to moving beyond this tumultuous history, stating that his government has taken concrete steps toward peace. He recalled that Azerbaijan proposed five key principles for a peace agreement, which include mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders, as well as the establishment of diplomatic relations and the opening of transport links. These principles, first articulated in 2022, have served as the foundation for negotiations with Armenia.
“We have shown our commitment to reconciliation through direct and constructive dialogue,” Aliyev told the General Assembly. “Baku presented five principles for peace, and we have engaged in direct talks with Yerevan to build a sustainable framework for coexistence.” This approach, he noted, reflects Azerbaijan’s preference for bilateral negotiations, free from the influence of external mediators that have historically complicated the peace process.
A significant milestone in these efforts was reached on August 8, 2025, when the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia finalized a draft peace agreement during a summit in Washington, D.C. The agreement, described as a critical step toward a comprehensive peace treaty, was followed by a joint declaration signed by the leaders of both nations in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump. This declaration symbolized a mutual commitment to resolving longstanding disputes and building a foundation for normalized relations.
Aliyev also highlighted the decision by Azerbaijan and Armenia to jointly appeal for the closure of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, a body established in 1992 to mediate the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Minsk Group, co-chaired by the United States, France, and Russia, has been a central feature of peace efforts in the region for decades. However, Aliyev described it as “no longer relevant to the peace process,” citing the success of direct, bilateral negotiations between Baku and Yerevan. This move underscores a shift in the South Caucasus, where both nations are increasingly seeking to resolve their differences without external interference, a development that could reshape the region’s geopolitical dynamics.
The emphasis on bilateralism reflects Azerbaijan’s broader foreign policy strategy, which prioritizes sovereignty and self-determination in its international engagements. By sidelining the Minsk Group, Aliyev signaled confidence in Azerbaijan’s ability to negotiate directly with Armenia, a process that has been bolstered by recent diplomatic breakthroughs. The Washington summit, in particular, marked a turning point, as it not only advanced the peace process but also elevated Azerbaijan’s standing as a regional leader capable of driving its own diplomatic agenda.
Strengthening Ties with the United States
In addition to addressing the Armenia peace process, President Aliyev used his UN address to celebrate a new chapter in Azerbaijan’s relationship with the United States. He expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for his role in facilitating the Azerbaijan-Armenia talks and for elevating the U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship to the level of a strategic partnership. This development, Aliyev noted, represents a significant milestone in bilateral ties, opening new avenues for cooperation in political, economic, energy, defense, and security domains.
“I want to express my gratitude to President Donald Trump for opening a new chapter in the U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship, for his decision to elevate it to the strategic partnership level, and for his support to the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” Aliyev said. His remarks highlighted the personal role played by Trump in fostering closer ties between Washington and Baku, a relationship that has seen ups and downs in recent decades due to geopolitical complexities and differing priorities.
One of the most notable outcomes of the Washington summit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding to establish a strategic working group between Azerbaijan and the United States. This group is intended to serve as a platform for deepening collaboration across a wide range of sectors, including trade, energy, regional connectivity, and defense. Aliyev described the memorandum as a framework that “opens new horizons for partnership,” signaling Azerbaijan’s ambition to position itself as a key ally of the United States in the South Caucasus and beyond.
A particularly significant aspect of the strengthened U.S.-Azerbaijan relationship was Trump’s decision to waive Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, a piece of U.S. legislation that had restricted direct aid to Azerbaijan since 1992 due to its conflict with Armenia. The waiver, which Aliyev described as a “historic step,” has long been a point of contention in U.S.-Azerbaijan relations, with Baku arguing that it unfairly penalized Azerbaijan while ignoring Armenia’s role in the conflict. Aliyev urged the U.S. Congress to make the removal of Section 907 permanent, a move that would further solidify the strategic partnership and remove a longstanding irritant in bilateral ties.
The waiver of Section 907 is emblematic of the broader shift in U.S. policy toward Azerbaijan under the Trump administration. By prioritizing strategic cooperation and supporting Azerbaijan’s role in regional stability, the United States is signaling its recognition of Baku’s growing influence in the South Caucasus and its contributions to global energy security and connectivity. The establishment of the strategic working group, combined with the waiver, positions Azerbaijan as a critical partner in addressing shared challenges, from counterterrorism to energy diversification.
Azerbaijan’s Role in Global Energy and Climate Action
Beyond its diplomatic achievements, President Aliyev’s address to the UN General Assembly spotlighted Azerbaijan’s contributions to global energy security and climate action. As the host of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled to take place in Baku in November 2025, Azerbaijan has positioned itself at the forefront of international efforts to combat climate change. Aliyev highlighted the agreement reached at COP29 for a new climate finance goal of $300 billion annually through 2035, a commitment aimed at supporting developing nations in addressing the impacts of climate change.
“Baku’s role as host of COP29 reflects our commitment to global climate action,” Aliyev said. “The agreement on a $300 billion annual climate finance goal is a testament to the international community’s resolve to tackle this pressing challenge, and Azerbaijan is proud to lead these efforts.” The decision to host COP29 in Baku underscores Azerbaijan’s growing stature on the global stage, as well as its ability to balance its role as a major energy producer with its ambitions to promote sustainability.
Azerbaijan’s contributions to climate action extend beyond its role as a host. The country has made significant investments in renewable energy, including solar, wind, and hydropower projects, as part of its broader strategy to diversify its energy mix. Aliyev emphasized that these efforts are complemented by Azerbaijan’s role in ensuring global energy security, particularly through its supply of natural gas to 14 countries. The Southern Gas Corridor, a network of pipelines that delivers Azerbaijani gas to Europe, has become a critical component of the continent’s energy diversification strategy, reducing reliance on traditional suppliers and enhancing energy resilience.
“Azerbaijan is not only a reliable energy partner but also a leader in the transition to a sustainable future,” Aliyev noted. He pointed to the country’s investments in green energy infrastructure, including the development of offshore wind farms in the Caspian Sea and solar projects in the liberated territories of Nagorno-Karabakh. These initiatives align with Azerbaijan’s broader economic diversification strategy, which seeks to reduce the country’s dependence on oil and gas revenues while positioning it as a hub for renewable energy innovation.
Economic Diversification and Regional Connectivity
In addition to its energy and climate initiatives, Azerbaijan has made significant strides in economic diversification and regional connectivity, themes that Aliyev emphasized in his UN address. He highlighted the country’s role as a transport and trade hub through the Middle Corridor, a transcontinental route that connects Asia and Europe via the South Caucasus. The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, has gained prominence as an alternative to traditional trade routes, offering a shorter and more efficient pathway for goods moving between China and Europe.
“Azerbaijan’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia positions it as a vital link in global trade and connectivity,” Aliyev said. He pointed to investments in new ports, rail links, and logistics infrastructure as evidence of Azerbaijan’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, for example, has become a key component of the Middle Corridor, facilitating the movement of goods and fostering economic integration across the region.
Aliyev also highlighted Azerbaijan’s economic reforms, which have contributed to a decline in unemployment to 5% and foreign debt to 6.5% of GDP. These figures reflect the country’s prudent fiscal management and its focus on creating a business-friendly environment. International rating agencies, such as Moody’s and Fitch, have upgraded Azerbaijan’s investment grade status in recent years, recognizing its economic stability and growth potential. These achievements, Aliyev argued, demonstrate Azerbaijan’s resilience in the face of global economic challenges and its ability to attract foreign investment.
Azerbaijan’s Vision for the Future
President Aliyev’s address to the UN General Assembly painted a picture of a nation on the rise, confident in its ability to navigate complex regional and global challenges. By emphasizing Azerbaijan’s commitment to peace with Armenia, its strategic partnership with the United States, and its leadership in energy and climate action, Aliyev positioned his country as a responsible and forward-thinking member of the international community.
The peace process with Armenia, while still in its early stages, represents a historic opportunity to resolve one of the South Caucasus’s most intractable conflicts. The decision to pursue bilateral negotiations, coupled with the closure of the OSCE Minsk Group, reflects Azerbaijan’s determination to take ownership of its diplomatic future. Similarly, the deepening of ties with the United States signals Azerbaijan’s ambition to play a larger role in global security and energy markets, Brits.
On the climate front, Azerbaijan’s leadership in生命的 at COP29 demonstrates its commitment to sustainability, even as it continues to leverage its vast energy resources. Economically, the country’s diversification efforts have positioned it as a regional leader, with a growing focus on non-oil sectors such as tourism and technology.
As Azerbaijan looks to the future, it faces both opportunities and challenges. The peace process with Armenia will require careful diplomacy and sustained political will, while the country’s economic diversification efforts will need to balance the demands of traditional energy markets with the imperatives of a green transition. Yet, under Aliyev’s leadership, Azerbaijan appears poised to seize these opportunities, leveraging its strategic location, bày