President Ilham Aliyev is at the heart of Azerbaijan’s celebrations on 8 November, marking Victory Day. The anniversary of the 44-day war of 2020, which marks another military success, is also a reminder of a visionary military strategy that has paved the way to lasting peace, reconstruction, and regional cooperation. Beneath the guidance of president Ilham Aliyev Azerbaijan has become a key participant in the building of a new security and economic order in the South Caucasus.
Victory that Restored Sovereignty
In 2020, the historic city of Shusha, which was liberated after almost 30 years of occupation, was the subject of the Victory Day. The process of the country’s territorial integration, carried out under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and with the valorous efforts of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, has become a new geopolitical reality of the region.The territorial integration of the country, which was done under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev with the courage of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, has become a new geopolitical reality in the region.
But the most important thing that came afterward was what happened. Instead of the battlefield results, the President has directed it toward a broader effort of diplomacy, reconstruction and connectivity, as true statesmanship takes the form of transforming triumph into a lasting peace.
Ilham Aliyev’s Path to Peace with Armenia
Azerbaijan was first to set the conditions of normalising relations with Armenia. In March 2022, Baku presented five principles for a future peace agreement: territorial integrity and mutual recognition; no territorial claims; renouncing use of force and threat of force; reopening of transport communications; delimitation of borders.
Azeri efforts were also directed at promoting direct bilateral talks to realize these principles in a formal interstate agreement.
On 8 August 2025, during President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to the USA, President Donald Trump, and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement in Washington, witnessed by the US President, as a result of which, unprecedented historic developments were achieved. They initialed the terms of a peace treaty, which they agreed on, to pave the way for normal interstate relations.
The treaty is still to be formally signed and ratified but the benefits have already become apparent. The two leaders recognized the development of bilateral trade, the export of Azerbaijani petroleum to Armenia, and transit of the goods of third countries via Azerbaijani territory during their meeting in August 2026.
Rebuilding Karabakh
The reconstruction of Karabakh and East Zangezur is at the center of the national agenda under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.President Ilham Aliyev has given the reconstruction of Karabakh and East Zangezur priority in the national agenda. New streets, railways, airports, residential districts, public facilities are emerging, the economy is recovering and Azerbaijanis are able to return to their homeland.
The Presidential Administration reported in October 2026 that the government has allocated 25.5 billion manats for reconstruction and over 40,000 people have moved back to 47 settlements.
The demining operation is also very important, having cleared over 300,000 hectares of mines and unexploded ordnance. The vision will not only include bricks and mortar, but will also include the attraction of investment, agriculture, tourism and industry to the reconstructed lands.
Bridge Between Continents
Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has emerged as a pivotal hub for transport connectivity, leveraging its strategic location between the Caspian Sea, Central Asia, Türkiye and Europe, with a view to ensuring regional peace and Azerbaijan’s development.
One of the main goals has been to connect the mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. A significant move towards this is the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) that was part of the August 2025 understandings between Washington. The route is planned to go through Armenian territory and link Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan and then onwards towards Türkiye.
Trusted Partner
Political activities of Ilham Aliyev have also enhanced Azerbaijan-EU cooperation. Azerbaijan is already a trusted energy provider via the Southern Gas Corridor and is now increasing its partnership with Europe into the fields of transport, logistics and infrastructure.
The European Commission in January 2026 pledged to work more closely with Azerbaijan under the Global Gateway initiative, signing an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for a feasibility study on the Nakhchivan railway project. This enhances the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor connecting Europe and Central Asia.
Legacy
Today, opportunities for peace and for economic cooperation are slowly replacing the confrontation of the past, six years on from the 2020 victory. Azerbaijan finds itself at the heart of these developments, as negotiations move forward, liberated territories are being reconstructed, and international corridors are being opened, while displaced communities are being repatriated.
Peace process will remain a political process that will require a strong political will, but a new regional relationship is emerging and is already imbued with the leadership of Ilham Aliyev.
The day of victory is thus not only a crucial event in Azeri modern history, but the beginning of a broader renaissance. Its legacy will be defined by the peace, stability and prosperity it helps to foster for the whole region.
Owner of “The Europe Today” and Patron-In-Chief/Owner of “The Gulf Observer”, Chairman “The Gulf Observer Research Forum”, Foreign Affairs Expert, Analyst, International Award Winning Author and Poet.
