On October 2, the 7th Summit of the European Political Community held in Copenhagen served as a strategic platform for discussing key issues on the global political agenda – including security, energy, and cooperation. The participation of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in the summit became another manifestation of Azerbaijan’s growing role in European political processes and its active international diplomacy. His visit was not merely symbolic; it clearly demonstrated Azerbaijan’s diplomatic course based on peace, cooperation, and strategic partnership.
Multifaceted international engagement and cooperation
Within the framework of the Copenhagen Summit, President Ilham Aliyev held numerous meetings with heads of state and government from various countries, showcasing Azerbaijan’s strategy of building multifaceted relations both regionally and globally. The discussions primarily focused on supporting the regional peace process, Azerbaijan’s role in Europe’s energy security, and the expansion of bilateral economic and humanitarian ties.
One of the key directions of these meetings was the promotion of the regional peace agenda. President Ilham Aliyev’s talks with the leaders of France, Armenia, and other partner countries, as well as the support expressed for the Washington Peace Declaration, demonstrated that European political centers recognize Azerbaijan’s peace agenda and view this process as essential for regional stability. The direct dialogues with Armenia and the political backing of European countries for this process confirmed that the new geopolitical realities shaped by Azerbaijan in the region are being acknowledged internationally.
Economic diplomacy and emerging partnership opportunities
Energy security in Europe held a particularly prominent place in the discussions. President Ilham Aliyev’s meetings with EU leaders and the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy underscored Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable partner and strategic player in supplying energy to Europe. Based on the Strategic Partnership Declaration in the field of energy signed in 2022, Azerbaijan has successfully fulfilled its commitments to increase gas exports and reach 20 billion cubic meters by 2027 – a development highly appreciated by Europe’s political elite. This underlined that Azerbaijan is not only an energy exporter but also an integral part of the continent’s stability and security architecture.
At the same time, the meetings also focused on diversifying economic partnerships and exploring new investment opportunities. Discussions with the leaders of the Netherlands, Italy, and other countries outlined concrete prospects for cooperation in shipping, agriculture, industry, education, and culture. This highlights that economic diplomacy is a priority direction in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy and signals a new stage in the country’s integration into the European economic system.
Strengthening humanitarian ties was another key dimension of the Copenhagen meetings. In particular, discussions with Ukraine emphasized Azerbaijan’s humanitarian initiatives and its support to civilians – especially children – affected by war. These efforts strengthened Azerbaijan’s image in European public opinion as a humane and responsible partner.
Recognition of new realities shaped by Azerbaijan
Sultan Zahidov, leading advisor at the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) and a political analyst, told APA that President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Copenhagen and the meetings he held demonstrated the international recognition of Azerbaijan’s regional peace agenda and the new geopolitical realities it has created, significantly contributing to the strengthening of bilateral relations.
“President Ilham Aliyev held bilateral meetings with the leaders of many countries. These meetings were held upon the initiative of the counterparts. Among them, his talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, and Moldovan President Maia Sandu were of particular note. These meetings are undoubtedly of great significance for advancing Azerbaijan’s bilateral relations. At the same time, they played a special role in informing the counterparts about ongoing regional processes, including the Azerbaijan–Armenia peace process. During the meetings, the parties congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the Washington Peace Declaration. This is, in fact, clear evidence that European countries acknowledge and respect the new geopolitical realities created by Azerbaijan in the region,” the analyst added.
The geopolitical significance of regular summit participation
According to Zahidov, Azerbaijan’s regular participation in the summits of the European Political Community demonstrates that the country has become not only a regional power in the South Caucasus but also a key actor in addressing fundamental global challenges:
“For example, during the summit, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán referred to Azerbaijan as ‘Europe’s golden reserve,’ drawing attention to its decisive role in Europe’s energy security. Notably, during Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Azerbaijan in 2022, a Declaration on Strategic Partnership in the energy field was signed. According to this document, Azerbaijan committed to increasing gas exports to the EU to 20 billion cubic meters by 2027, and this commitment is being successfully fulfilled. Europe now clearly recognizes Azerbaijan’s growing power and its important role in European security. This is precisely why President Ilham Aliyev receives permanent invitations to these summits. At each event, heads of state and government express their desire to hold bilateral meetings with him. These meetings involve important discussions and lead to various agreements.”
President Ilham Aliyev’s rising influence and positive image in Europe
Mr. Zahidov emphasized that Azerbaijan’s active participation in the European Political Community is a clear indicator of President Ilham Aliyev’s high standing and the great respect he enjoys in Europe, as well as the positive international image Azerbaijan has established.
“In a world shaken by wars and conflicts, Azerbaijan’s efforts to shape a peace agenda and promote peace initiatives both regionally and globally are closely followed by the international community. Even during COP29, Azerbaijan put forward a Global Ceasefire Declaration, calling for a halt to armed conflicts worldwide during that period. All these steps clearly demonstrate the country’s international status, its involvement in addressing global threats, and its growing political weight. I believe Azerbaijan will further strengthen these efforts and solidify its position as one of the leading states on the international stage. Overall, President Ilham Aliyev’s meetings in Copenhagen reflected the practical implementation of Azerbaijan’s multi-vector and active foreign policy strategy. Promoting the regional peace process, contributing to Europe’s energy security, expanding economic partnerships, and strengthening humanitarian ties have further reinforced Azerbaijan’s status as both a regional leader and a reliable global partner. This visit marked another important milestone on Azerbaijan’s diplomatic map, confirming once again the country’s increasing political weight in the international arena,” the analyst concluded.
A new stage in Azerbaijan’s diplomatic trajectory
Thus, the Copenhagen visit can be viewed not merely as another international event but as a significant political milestone symbolizing Azerbaijan’s transition to a new stage within the system of international relations. This visit once again confirmed that Azerbaijan is pursuing a foreign policy based on clear strategic priorities and holds a key position on the regional stability, energy security, economic cooperation, and global humanitarian agenda.
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