On May 10, the 103rd anniversary of the birth of the former president of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, was commemorated, a historical figure whose political and strategic vision laid the foundations of modern and independent Azerbaijan, currently led by his son, Ilham Aliyev.
His leadership profoundly marked the consolidation of the Azerbaijani state, the strengthening of its institutions, and the definition of a foreign policy oriented towards stability, sovereignty, and national development. The objectives of the Azerbaijani national leader have become a reality.
After regaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan went through one of the most complex stages of its contemporary history: political crisis, economic difficulties, and the armed conflict in Karabakh. In this context, Heydar Aliyev’s return to power in 1993 represented a decisive turning point for the country.
Thanks to his leadership, Azerbaijan managed to preserve its state integrity, consolidate strong institutions, and undertake deep economic reforms. Under his direction, the historic “Contract of the Century” was signed, which opened the doors to international energy cooperation and transformed the country into a strategic actor in the Eurasian space.
Heydar Aliyev’s policy was based on the construction of a strong, secular, and modern state, founded on the balance between national tradition, economic development, and international openness. His legacy continues to guide contemporary Azerbaijani politics, and his vision remains a reference for new generations.
Peace as a strategic priority of the Azerbaijani state
One of Heydar Aliyev’s most remembered maxims was: “Peace is the most important value we have. We must do everything to sustain it.“ This principle continues to be one of the fundamental pillars of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.
In recent years, the Government of Azerbaijan has placed the consolidation of lasting peace and regional stability as an absolute priority. In this framework, 2025 was marked by significant advances in the regional normalization process, including the signing of the Peace Treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia, considered a historic step for the South Caucasus.
At the same time, public diplomacy initiatives and citizen dialogue have contributed to strengthening mutual trust between societies. Among them, the “Peace Bridge” initiative stands out, whose fourth international meeting evidenced the growing willingness for regional cooperation and reconciliation among communities.
Azerbaijan has also reaffirmed its humanitarian commitment in times of international crises. The country provided assistance and logistical support for the evacuation of foreign citizens during the escalation of tension in Iran, as well as ongoing humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people affected by the war.
“We will return to Karabakh!”: from historic slogan to reality
The historic slogan “We will return to Karabakh!”, pronounced for decades as a symbol of national hope, has today become a tangible reality.
Following the liberation of previously occupied territories, Azerbaijan launched the State Program “Return to the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation”, aimed at comprehensive reconstruction and rehabilitation of the regions affected by the conflict.
The devastated cities and villages are being rebuilt under the concept of “smart cities” and “smart villages”, with modern infrastructures, transport networks, schools, hospitals, and sustainable energy systems. At the same time, thousands of internally displaced persons have already begun to return safely and with dignity to their ancestral homes.
The reconstruction process in Karabakh represents not only territorial recovery but also a national project of economic, cultural, and human renaissance.
The South Caucasus: towards a region of cooperation and shared prosperity
The regional policy promoted by Azerbaijan seeks to transform the South Caucasus into a space of stability, security, and economic cooperation.
Thanks to the logistical and energy initiatives led by Azerbaijan, along with close cooperation with Georgia and advances towards the opening of communications and trade with Armenia, the region is gaining new geostrategic relevance.
International transport corridors, railway and energy projects, as well as new trade routes between Europe and Asia, make the South Caucasus a fundamental bridge between East and West.
In this context, Azerbaijan plays a central role as a promoter of regional connectivity, dialogue, and pragmatic cooperation. The legacy inherited from Heydar Aliyev, based on stability, sovereignty, and shared development, continues to materialize in a region that is gradually moving towards sustainable peace and common prosperity.
103 years after his birth, Heydar Aliyev’s legacy remains deeply linked to the evolution and strengthening of the Azerbaijani state. His strategic vision not only allowed for the consolidation of the country’s independence but also laid the foundations for a modern, resilient, and future-oriented Azerbaijan.
