Ilham Aliyev addresses UN ESCAP

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan addressed the 82nd session of the International — United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, emphasizing Azerbaijan's significant progress since 2021. He highlighted the full restoration of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, the initiation of a peace agenda with Armenia, and the historic progress achieved in normalization at the Washington Summit hosted by Donald Trump. Aliyev noted the positive outcomes of peace, including the commencement of trade relations and Azerbaijan facilitating transit access for Armenia. He also detailed large-scale reconstruction projects in liberated territories, the Great Return Program, and the ongoing challenge of landmines. Furthermore, Aliyev underscored Azerbaijan's inclusive and sustainable development, its nearly fourfold economic growth, and its role as a key connectivity hub through the Middle Corridor and Zangezur Corridor. He also mentioned Azerbaijan's contributions to energy security and its expanding international engagement, including chairmanships and upcoming hosting of the World Urban Forum.