President Ilham Aliyev granted an interview to the Euronews television channel on May 18, discussing Azerbaijan's growing international role and its strategic energy initiatives.
The interview, presented by the Operative Information Center-OMM, touched upon the significance of Baku hosting the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) and the country's ongoing reconstruction efforts in the Garabagh and East Zangazur regions.
During the conversation, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted that hosting WUF13, which saw participation from 182 countries and over 40,000 attendees, is a clear demonstration of the international respect commanded by Azerbaijan. "This forum is an opportunity for us to inform the international community about the work done so far and our future plans, while also benefiting from the experience of our partners," the President stated. He emphasized that the modernization of cities must be harmonized with the preservation of historical and architectural heritage.
Addressing the reconstruction of liberated territories, President Ilham Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan has developed unique experience in building cities and villages from scratch. He reported that 85,000 people have already returned to their ancestral lands. The President detailed the infrastructure progress, noting that 307 megawatts of hydropower capacity have been commissioned, with an additional 340 megawatts of solar energy projects currently under construction in Garabagh and East Zangazur. "Our experience can serve as a model for countries facing similar reconstruction challenges," he added.
On the topic of energy security, President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan's role as a reliable partner for Europe. He noted that through the Southern Gas Corridor, Azerbaijan now supplies natural gas to 12 European countries, including 10 EU member states. Regarding the global economic impact of the Hormuz crisis, the President emphasized that while Azerbaijan remains in a secure position due to its diversified supply routes, the country consistently advocates for diplomacy to ensure global market stability.
The interview underscores Azerbaijan's proactive foreign policy and its transition into a major regional logistics and energy hub. Since the restoration of its territorial integrity, Azerbaijan has focused on "Smart City" and "Smart Village" concepts, integrating green energy into the national grid. This development aligns with the country's broader strategy to diversify its economy and strengthen its position as a bridge between East and West.
