During the pandemic, measures such as border control and quarantine regimes were implemented globally in accordance with emergency situations. In Azerbaijan, the closure of land borders was also considered an important step within this framework. However, after the active phase of the pandemic ended, the continued closure of the borders sparked various discussions in society and the political sphere. Although opposition circles tried to politicize this issue and present the government's decision as a cause of public discontent, over time, developments in the region clearly demonstrated how well-founded and farsighted this decision was.
Geopolitical realities and risks for Azerbaijan
The geographical location of Azerbaijan is strategically both a source of opportunities and threats. Currently, two of the country’s major neighbors — Iran and Russia — are either directly or indirectly involved in military conflicts.
Russia has been engaged in a large-scale and multifaceted military confrontation with Ukraine for over three years. This conflict presents security challenges not only for Eastern Europe but also for the entire post-Soviet space. On the other hand, armed clashes between Iran and Israel have recently entered a new and more intense phase. Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, as well as Iran’s retaliatory actions, have led to a de facto state of war in the region. Now, it has become clearer to everyone why the borders remained closed — because such tensions were anticipated.
President Ilham Aliyev’s position: A principle of statehood
President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly emphasized in his speeches that the continued closure of the borders is neither a random decision nor a move toward isolationist policy. He has underlined that this decision is based on well-founded geopolitical and security considerations. The head of state has stated that Azerbaijan’s internal stability and public safety are of utmost importance, and these priorities were the main factors guiding the decision on the border issue.
On April 23, 2024, at the international forum titled “COP29 and Green Vision for Azerbaijan” held at ADA University, President Ilham Aliyev stated that the decision to keep the borders closed was a strategic and necessary step taken to protect Azerbaijan’s national security against the backdrop of regional instability and growing external threats: "We see around us different areas of instability. The decision to keep the land border closed was made because of COVID. We are still formally in the quarantine phase, but at the same time, let's be frank, the decision to keep the borders closed is not only based on that. We now see, after our borders are already closed, the strengthened security in Azerbaijan. In previous times, there have been many cases. Some of them were public, some were not made public, where we faced serious threats and problems coming from outside. When I say that all our potential risks can come from outside, I mean exactly that. You will understand if we don't go too much into the details. But as President, as a person who deals with national security issues on a daily basis, I can say that we've seen tremendous benefits for our national security after we closed our borders. And this is a reality. Yes, people have to take that into account. We understand that there are inconveniences for people in Azerbaijan and also for Azerbaijanis and another nationalities who live in our neighborhoods. But national security should prevail over all other feelings, all other reasons, especially at a time when we have a war on our northern border and a crisis on our southern border. We have new areas of conflict emerging like mushrooms after the rain. I think that the people of Azerbaijan understand it."
Adviser to the Academy of Public Administration under the President, Chairman of the Baku Political Scientists Club, Zaur Mammadov said in a statement to APA that the continued closure of land borders is a strategic and farsighted step aimed at protecting national security, sovereignty, and public stability amid changing regional threats: “In recent years, Azerbaijan has prioritized regional security and internal stability by keeping its land borders with neighboring states closed. While this decision initially aimed to protect public health during the pandemic, evolving geopolitical realities have aligned it more closely with broader national security objectives. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the deepening crisis surrounding Iran, and the open military escalation between Israel and Iran have created serious risks in the region. In this context, Azerbaijan’s decision to keep its borders closed should be considered a strategic and farsighted move in terms of sovereignty, security, and state governance. The closed borders help prevent foreign provocations, infiltration by radical groups and intelligence networks, minimize ideological influence risks, and limit maneuvering opportunities for foreign special services in border areas. At the same time, this policy enhances the security and social stability of populations living in border regions, increases the effectiveness of state oversight, and contributes to the formation of a more stable public environment.”
Public stability and internal control
The closure of borders has played an important role not only in the field of security but also in ensuring socio-political stability. The rising inflation, public discontent, and economic and social turmoil caused by sanctions in various countries across the region could have led to increased migration into Azerbaijan. This, in turn, could have placed additional pressure on the domestic labor market, the social welfare system, and the overall public environment. Keeping the borders closed also prevented these potential tensions.
Addressing the issue of keeping the borders closed in his speech at the first session of the seventh convocation of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan held on September 23, 2024, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that the continued closure of land borders in recent years has ensured security and stability in Azerbaijan, saved the country from potential disasters, and created reliable environment for development and foreign investment: "I can say with absolute certainty that the closure of our land borders over the past years has saved us from many major disasters. Even today, when the borders are closed, dangerous actions do take place and these actions are prevented. Security and peace have been ensured in Azerbaijan for many years. Our stability can be an example for the whole world. Everyone knows that no country can develop in the absence of stability. Today, everyone can see the situation and the fate of destabilized countries. This is the main condition for security, development and the attraction of foreign investment."
Political analyst Zaur Mammadov further added that Azerbaijan’s decision to keep its borders closed serves the purpose of strengthening statehood and preventing external risks: “The closure of Azerbaijan’s land borders with neighboring countries is not merely a security measure, but also a reflection of an independent statehood strategy. This decision is fully justified and logical in terms of preserving internal stability, protecting national interests, preventing illegal activities, and neutralizing regional risks. State borders are not just geographical lines — they are symbols of sovereignty and foundations of security. In this context, Azerbaijan’s border policy is both strategically sound and aligned with national interests, representing a farsighted decision.”
Conclusion: The continued closure of borders — a necessity and a strategic advantage
Today's realities show that the prolonged closure of borders should be regarded as part of Azerbaijan’s defense and security strategy. Keeping the borders closed has also prevented the use of Azerbaijani territory for certain undesirable purposes.
The Azerbaijani state closely monitors both regional and global developments, while maintaining full control internally to ensure security and stability. The continued closure of borders remains a key pillar of this policy, and maintaining this approach in the near future will be in line with national interests.
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