NEWTIMES

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.

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.

Signed in 1994, the world-famous Contract of the Century is one of the sources of pride for the Azerbaijani people. President Ilham Aliyev highlighted this fact in his speech at the ceremony to mark 25th anniversary of Contract of the Century and Oil Workers Day. The head of state reiterated the strategic and geopolitical significance of the project. In their letters to the Azerbaijani President, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, UK Secretary of State for International Trade & President of the Board Trade Elizabeth Truss and UK Minister for Europe and the Americas Christopher Pincher stressed very important points in this regard. It`s obvious that these major powers are interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan and highly appreciate the policy pursued by the country`s leadership.

Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev visited Azerbaijan immediately after John Bolton`s tour of Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus and Poland. For experts, the visit came as a surprise as much as the US Security Adviser` s trip. Interestingly, Patrushev visited Armenia in August. Experts believe it`s not a coincidence because senior security officials of two superpowers, which are at loggerheads over geopolitical influence in Eurasia, visited two geopolitically volatile regions. What they came with? Both officials affirmed their countries` commitment to the issue of security. But what does really lie behind these statements? In particular, which issues did dominate Patrushev`s agenda?

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.