"I have read analytical articles stating that Azerbaijan has already become a middle power, and I am familiar with the opinions of experts," President Ilham Aliyev said at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, APA reports.
"I believe that forums like this can also help determine the criteria on the basis of which a country is described as a middle power. These criteria may vary, and there is still no single universally accepted standard.
In my view, this concept means a country's potential, its ability to defend its national interests regardless of what major powers think or do, and its ability to resist with all its capabilities if someone seeks to harm it. Undoubtedly, defense capability is one of the key criteria. However, it is not only about capabilities displayed at military parades. The main issue is that this capability must prove itself on the battlefield.
I also believe that one of the important factors is a country's ability to influence developments beyond its borders with just one word or one statement. Azerbaijan has demonstrated this many times.
Another important criterion, in my opinion, is responsibility. This means taking responsibility both for what happens within the country and, to a certain extent, feeling responsibility for the entire region.
I think our team may later add other elements to these criteria. But all the characteristics I have listed apply to Azerbaijan. That is why many experts describe our country as a middle power. Frankly, I have no objection to that," the head of state noted.
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