NEWTIMES

The politics of Azerbaijan were unusually dynamic in 2019, compared to recent years, shifting dramatically between January and December. President Ilham Aliyev notably continued the transformative reforms he began several years earlier. And almost every month, the Azerbaijani leader caught domestic and international observers by surprise by announcing a variety of reforms and new appointments. His actions throughout 2019 have nearly completed the transition of government management to the younger generation. Along with reforms, the economy of Azerbaijan improved according to several international organizations' metrics.

Experts are analyzing countries` achievements in different areas. Foreign policy is the principal focus of attention because the world is now facing controversial, complex and dangerous processes. Under new circumstances, sovereignty of an independent state is nowadays of crucial importance. In this context, dynamics and results of Azerbaijan`s foreign policy in 2019 hold particular interest. The analysis of facts shows that official Baku made quite serious achievements in foreign policy and increased its effectiveness. In fact, Azerbaijan achieved a new level. President Ilham Aliyev`s titanic efforts ensured Azerbaijan`s foreign policy entering a new stage in terms of sustainability, purposefulness and consistency. This policy has produced tangible results.

Influential political analysts, economists and journalists are now discussing the preconditions for the formation of the security system in the South Caucasus and its future. According to observations, there are a lot of uncertainties surrounding the process mainly caused by official Yerevan`s destructive activities. With its unsuccessful foreign policy, Armenia is increasing uncertainty in the region, causing the emergence of different risks. In addition, Yerevan`s moves come amid Russia`s recent positive steps towards ensuring cooperation and security in the South Caucasus. The geopolitical picture of the region is becoming more and more incomplete.

"With this project, we are creating a new energy map of Europe," President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev noted at the inauguration ceremony. Highlighting the EU relationship, President said: "During these years, we have always felt the support of the EU… The energy sector undoubtedly holds a very big place in the Azerbaijan-EU cooperation format… I am sure that this project, being implemented as part of broad international cooperation, will in the future serve to deepen cooperation in Europe and in our region not only in the energy sector, but also in all other spheres."

Experts hailed the Baku Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking States (Turkic Council) as a great success. The heads of state and government made very interesting speeches at the event. They discussed a more optimal model of cooperation among nations that share common roots. The nations agreed to boost integration within the Turkic world without casting shadow on the achievements of the Turkic Council. They put forward specific proposals in this regard. The meeting participants highlighted the prospects of cooperation among Turkic states.

Azerbaijan became a full member of the Non-Aligned Movement, which includes 120 member states, 17 observer states and 10 international organizations as observers on May 26th 2011. What makes the Movement attractive for Azerbaijan are undoubtedly its principles. For Azerbaijan, principles of sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and non-intervention of international law constitute existential red lines. For Azerbaijani diplomacy, which is trying to resolve the issue of its Nagorno-Karabakh region and its environs, which were occupied and pillaged by Armenia, in the framework of international law, a large and influential platform such as the Non-Aligned Movement is very significant.

After a four-year decline in the early 1990s, Azerbaijan entered a period of dynamic development. The formation of the Institute of the President with a high level of trust and stable socio-political stability in the country limited the negative impact of unstable factors on economic development. As of 2005, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) already exceeded the level of the 1990s by 11 per cent. Although transformational decline was deeper in Azerbaijan compared to other transitional countries, the recovery was faster.

U.S. President Donald Trump`s decision to withdraw troops from northern Syria has resonated across the world. There have been different approaches to this decision. Some even said the withdrawal of troops was shameful for America. Especially in the Pentagon there are those who criticized the U.S. president, stressing the necessity of resisting to Turkey. But that would have been an illogical and irrational decision because an ally resisting Turkey and supporting illegal armed groups would have been ridiculous. Experts therefore believe that Washington would not interfere with Ankara`s operation. At the same time, it should be admitted that Turkey undertook a very hard mission because it is confronted by a 110,000-strong well-armed group. Of course, they will be regularly resorting to different tricks. The operation may drag on. But Ankara has no other choice. If Turkey fails this operation, the country may lose its influence in the new world order, which will put all regional nations, including Kurds, at risk.

The President of Azerbaijan attended the 16th Annual Meeting of Valdai International Discussion Club. Ilham Aliyev made a 15-minute speech at the event to highlight Azerbaijan-Russia strategic relations against a background of global and regional developments. He also referred to recent irresponsible statements of the Armenian leaders, and provided an insight into Azerbaijan`s position on the issue and achievements in state building. Commenting on different aspects of cooperation with Russia, the head of state expressed Azerbaijan`s interest in fostering this collaboration. President Ilham Aliyev gave a harsh answer to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan`s populist statement on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Azerbaijani leader`s speech grabbed the audience`s attention and was given a big round of applause.

The vassal Armenia`s hosting a meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which was established under Russia`s patronage, is not an unusual event as Armenia now chairs the organization. The fact that the so-called state of Armenia – the aggressor – is a member of the EAEU does not bring it honor. On the contrary, with its resentment, discontent and absurd claims, Armenia is just complicating the situation. In addition, no member country of the EAEU shares Armenia`s hostile position towards Azerbaijan. However, experts do not rule out that the Yerevan meeting may produce positive process for the organization. But the event that took place in the capital of Armenia showed the lack of any progress. There were only new vows. Among them was a proposal to embark on cooperation that would increase the organization`s international influence. In this context, the organization considered the opportunities for building relations with Iran, China, Singapore, Egypt, Israel and other countries.