New 'Hot Spots' Appear on the Map: Aliyev Makes Statement Regarding Armenia

During the opening of the 13th Global Forum in Baku, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that, according to their assessment, Armenia and Azerbaijan have been effectively at peace for the past seven months.

"We have been practically at peace for only 7 months. This once again demonstrates that achieving results requires strong political will, courage, and a commitment to peace and justice. In our case, it took a long time - about 30 years," Aliyev declared during the opening ceremony of the forum.

According to him, Armenia and Azerbaijan reached peace first through the use of force, then through political methods. Aliyev emphasized that achieving peace is not an easy process. He noted that around the world, protracted conflicts continue, and new 'hot spots' appear on the map.

“Regarding the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, a unique situation has developed there. Thus, from the bloody clash at the end of September 2023 to achieving peace in August 2025, it will take less than two years. In my opinion, this is an unprecedented speed. This became possible due to strong political will and the understanding that eternal enmity is impossible, and that the war must end. This was the choice of the two countries. Now, as I have already mentioned, we live in peace for 7 months and see the benefits of it. I have said many times and will never tire of repeating that there is nothing better than peace,” the Azerbaijani leader noted, adding that the situation at the border is calm, there are no more gunfire incidents, and there are no casualties or losses.

Referring to the Minsk Group, he stated that the co-chairs had no intention of resolving the conflict. "The 28-year mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group has failed. The purpose of the co-chairs was not to resolve the conflict but to freeze it and use it as leverage over both countries. Therefore, we concluded that we should abandon this 'mediation'. This is not just a theory but real experience. Therefore, I believe that this experience will definitely be taken into account when looking for solutions to existing conflicts,” Aliyev remarked.

He also mentioned that for the first time in its history, Armenia will become a transit country. "After achieving peace with Armenia, we are closely cooperating on creating a new branch of the Middle Corridor. This route will pass through the territory of Armenia, and for the first time in its history of independence, Armenia will become a transit country. It currently does not have such a status. This project will connect the two parts of Azerbaijan – the mainland and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic – with stable transport lines, energy lines, optical fiber cables, power lines, and possibly pipelines. This will create a mutually beneficial situation for everyone. As the two parts of Azerbaijan will be connected by transport infrastructure, the new transport corridor will open additional opportunities for many countries,” the Azerbaijani leader stated.