“Azerbaijan’s relations with the Islamic world are of major strategic importance in terms of strengthening our country’s international standing and securing its national interests. These ties are shaped by historical and cultural links, as well as political solidarity, humanitarian cooperation and common interests.”
Political analyst Ayten Gurbanova told Globalinfo.az.
The political analyst said President Ilham Aliyev’s meeting on October 27 with Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), once again highlighted key aspects of Azerbaijan’s policy aimed at expanding cooperation in the Islamic world and enhancing its international standing:
“During the meeting, the emphasis on strengthening cooperation in education, culture and humanitarian areas, as well as Islamic solidarity, shows that Azerbaijan’s activities in this direction are accompanied by concrete initiatives and partnership mechanisms. Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and hosting of its Summit in 2027 will create new opportunities for our country to contribute to the development of political dialogue and the alignment of common interests in the Islamic world. First of all, it should be noted that the strategic importance of Azerbaijan’s ties with the Islamic world stems from the fact that our country develops these relations on the basis of state sovereignty, territorial integrity, mutual respect and the principles of international law.
Since the restoration of independence, membership in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has been one of the key areas of Azerbaijan’s integration into the system of international relations. The organisation’s support for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity has increased the political importance of this platform for our country. At the same time, Azerbaijan is one of the main actors that, while expressing its position on the common problems of the Islamic world, advocates equal relations between states and cooperation based on mutual interests. This approach allows our country not only to expand ties with the Islamic world, but also to diversify its international partnerships and maintain an independent position in foreign policy. One of the important factors strengthening Azerbaijan’s role in the Islamic world is its experience in political dialogue and intercultural cooperation. The World Forums on Intercultural Dialogue held in Baku demonstrate Azerbaijan’s commitment to promoting mutual understanding between different civilisations. At a time when conflicts, religious discrimination and mutual distrust are increasing, such platforms are important diplomatic tools that contribute to our country’s international standing.”
The political analyst said Azerbaijan’s advantage lies in its efforts to combine its historical and cultural ties with the Islamic world with a policy of cooperation and dialogue with other states:
“Moreover, the political results of international events hosted by Azerbaijan are distinguished not only by the discussions held, but by the transformation of proposed initiatives into concrete cooperation mechanisms and sustainable projects. Undoubtedly, the activities of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in strengthening Islamic solidarity are one of the key areas of Azerbaijan’s humanitarian diplomacy. Projects implemented in education, culture and social development within the framework of the Foundation’s cooperation with ICESCO give practical substance to our country’s relations with the Islamic world.
The project agreed in Burkina Faso in 2024 to support displaced girls and students attending boarding schools is noteworthy in this regard. Under the project, important work has been carried out to improve educational conditions in dozens of schools, support girls’ access to education, and develop their vocational and digital skills. Humanitarian initiatives implemented in this area with the participation of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, expand Azerbaijan’s contribution to international cooperation. Such projects not only increase educational opportunities for communities in need, but also help strengthen mutual trust between Azerbaijan and partner countries.
Ayten Gurbanova
The importance of humanitarian diplomacy lies in the fact that, in modern international relations, the standing of states is not determined solely by economic and military potential. Initiatives implemented in education, science, culture and social development also influence the formation of long-term partnerships. Azerbaijan’s activities in these areas create additional opportunities, particularly for deepening ties with developing Muslim countries. At the same time, the sustainability of humanitarian projects, the assessment of their results and the identification of new areas of cooperation are important. This could allow Azerbaijan’s humanitarian initiatives to move beyond individual projects and become a broader, long-term model of cooperation. The preservation of religious and cultural heritage also holds a special place in Azerbaijan’s relations with the Islamic world.
Historic mosques, examples of religious architecture and monuments associated with Islamic culture are an important component of our country’s national and cultural identity. Preserving and promoting this heritage internationally is not only a cultural task, but also important for presenting Azerbaijan’s historical identity and strengthening its cultural diplomacy. The designation of Shusha as the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2024 was an important event in this regard. The signing in Shusha of a memorandum with ICESCO covering education, science and culture demonstrated Azerbaijan’s intention to link the preservation of cultural heritage with international partnership. Continuing this experience could further increase our country’s role in promoting Islamic culture and preserving common heritage.”
A. Gurbanova said that the emphasis during President Ilham Aliyev’s meeting with the ICESCO Director-General that Azerbaijan would continue supporting the organisation’s activities also carries important political significance for the coming period:
“Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and hosting of its Summit in 2027 will provide our country with additional opportunities to strengthen political consultations among member states and align common interests. Thus, Azerbaijan’s activities within the organisation are based on a diplomatic approach that takes into account the differing interests of member states, creates common ground and contributes to the implementation of decisions adopted. Ultimately, strengthening Azerbaijan’s position in the Islamic world is of strategic importance in terms of defending national interests, expanding international partnerships and increasing our country’s diplomatic capabilities. Cooperation with ICESCO, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s humanitarian initiatives, the preservation of Islamic heritage and our upcoming chairmanship of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation are complementary areas of this policy. Azerbaijan’s main advantage is its ability to combine its historical and cultural ties with an independent foreign policy, humanitarian initiatives and opportunities for international dialogue.”
Turan Rzayev
Globalinfo.az
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