NEWTIMES

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.

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.

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.

Issues surrounding the preparation of a new cooperation document between the European Union and Azerbaijan have recently provoked lively debates. Different opinions are voiced, with some contradicting each other. Official Baku remains patient and committed to its realistic attitude, saying negotiations on the partnership agreement continue successfully. In this regard, experts should focus on one critical point. Azerbaijan prefers equal relations based on mutual respect with countries and international organizations. Protecting sovereignty and national interests is number one priority. As Azerbaijan was dissatisfied with some terms featured in the European Union`s Eastern Partnership program, the country put forward its own cooperation model. And fruitful talks are now being held in this regard.

For several years, experts have been point out growing negative tendencies within the European Union. Some even hint at the possible collapse of the organization. Brexit is frequently recalled in this context, with experts believing that it will encourage other countries to leave the organization. Against this background, the preparation of an optimistic strategic agenda on the future of the EU is of special interest. The agenda encompasses the organization`s development priorities until 2024. Those who drafted the agenda believe that the organization will develop in specific areas. But whether this will happen or not remains a question. What adds interest to the agenda is that apart from EU member states it also highlights some points relating to non-member states that cooperate with the organization.

In the middle of the last century the world was searching for mechanisms to regulate the system of international relations. The establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1955 was a crucial outcome of those efforts. Its fundamental principles were adopted at the founding non-aligned summit in Belgrade in 1961. These principles included establishing global peace, tranquility, peaceful co-existence and principles of fair cooperation. Experience showed that the world needed such an organization badly. Although interest in the Non-Aligned Movement decreased after the Cold War to some extent, later processes highlighted global need in this organization. Many countries are therefore interested in the Non-Aligned Movement becoming stronger. Azerbaijan is assuming two-year chairmanship of the organization this year.

Experts highlight the global geopolitical importance of the Caspian basin. And what is of particular significance here apart from security in the region, is the issue of cooperation. The signing of a set of documents on the legal status of the Caspian Sea in 2018 opened brand new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. In this regard, the Caspian Economic Forum is of particular interest as a unique cooperation format. Held in Turkmenistan, the first Economic Forum gathered high-level representatives from both the Caspian littoral states and several other countries. This means that this cooperation format may win serious global support. This thesis seems to be much more convincing taking into account the views expressed at the forum.

Some experts are alleging that Azerbaijan-European Union relations experience tough times and that Brussels even hesitates to recognize Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity. But Donald Tusk`s visit to the region clarified the situation. His remarks refuted the provocative allegations. Donald Tusk described the EU`s relations with Azerbaijan as strategic and very important. Brussels recognizes Azerbaijan as a powerful state and the leader of the South Caucasus. This shows that the relationship with Baku influences greatly the geopolitical picture of the region. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev confirmed this following his meeting with Donald Tusk. This article will highlight the geopolitical importance of Donald Tusk`s visit to Azerbaijan.

July 4 marked the 243rd anniversary of independence of the United States of America. Donald Trump became the first U.S. President in 70 years to address the nation on this occasion and hold a military parade. Heads of state of many countries sent congratulatory messages to the U.S. leader. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev`s letter to his American counterpart grabbed much interest. The U.S. leader earlier sent a letter to President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of the Republic Day. Experts were anticipating the Azerbaijani President`s message. Against a backdrop of President Ilham Aliyev`s letter, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan`s message of congratulation to Donald Trump looks very unnatural. The Armenian leader, in fact, failed to highlight any specific fact. He used general and empty words. This article will therefore provide a deep analysis of President Ilham Aliyev`s views that he expressed in the letter to his American counterpart.