Azerbaijan in Global Politics: Crafting Foreign Policy

Abstract

With the collapse of the Soviet Union the Azerbaijani people gained a historical chance to reestablish their independence and to develop and strengthen the statehood of Azerbaijan. At that time very few believed in Azerbaijan's survival and success as a sovereign state, due to the military aggression of neighboring Armenia as well as internal political instability and economic hardship. After the election of Heydar Aliyev as President in 1993 Azerbaijan started successfully implementing its strategy aimed at consolidating its sovereignty and independence: prerequisites for the sustainable development of the country and the prosperity of its people. Azerbaijan's National Leader Heydar Aliyev enhanced state institutions, expanded much needed foreign relations, realized a comprehensive energy strategy, laid the ground for the country's long-term perspective. Heydar Aliyev's policy to strengthen Azerbaijani statehood has been successfully continued by his successor, President Ilham Aliyev. Today's Azerbaijan takes its roots from the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic: the first democratic and secular republic in the Muslim world. Hаving existed for 23 months, it collapsed due to the shifting geopolitics of the region. But, in this short historical period major institutions of statehood were established, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Today, we proudly celebrate the 90th anniversary of Azerbaijan's Foreign Service. Azerbaijan is a rapidly developing young democracy with a steadily growing economy and stable political system. Azerbaijan uses its economic and political assets instrumentally towards the realization of its national interests and consolidation of its global and regional position. Azerbaijan has become regional leader and a reliable partner in international relations. Our country is a key player in all regional issues and no regional project of strategic importance can be realized without Azerbaijan's engagement and active involvement.