National Address by the President Ilham Aliyev On the Occasion of the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year

Baku, The Gulf Observer: President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, delivered a momentous national address on the occasion of the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year, reflecting on the remarkable achievements of 2024 and outlining the strategic objectives for the nation’s future. Highlighting Azerbaijan’s steadfast progress, President Aliyev emphasized the country’s growing international stature, economic resilience, and enhanced military capabilities. He celebrated the restoration of territorial integrity, including the peaceful return of four villages in the Gazakh district, and the transformative development underway in Karabakh and East Zangezur. The President also reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the South Caucasus, while warning against the militarization of Armenia and underscoring the importance of unity and perseverance in achieving the nation’s aspirations.

The Gulf Observer is pleased to present the full text of the address.

Dear compatriots,

As we bid farewell to the year 2024, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the tremendous accomplishments we have achieved together as a nation. This year, we have advanced confidently on the path of progress, cementing our position as a strong, prosperous, and united Azerbaijan.

Our unwavering commitment to development, stability, and security has yielded remarkable outcomes. In a world rife with conflicts and uncertainties, Azerbaijan stands as a beacon of peace, ensuring a safe and stable environment for our citizens. This is a testament to our collective resilience and dedication to the values that unite us as a people.

Among the most significant milestones of 2024 is the peaceful restoration of our sovereignty over the four villages of the Gazakh district, which had been occupied since the early 1990s. This achievement underscores our principled and steadfast approach to safeguarding our territorial integrity. Over the past four years, we have demonstrated our strength and determination, beginning with the victorious Patriotic War of 2020, followed by the restoration of our sovereignty in 2023, and culminating in this year’s success achieved through political means.

We have created new realities in the South Caucasus—realities that are now recognized globally. However, Armenia’s continued militarization and aggressive policies remain a source of concern. Let me reiterate that Azerbaijan seeks peace, security, and cooperation in the region. But we will not turn a blind eye to threats against our sovereignty or the well-being of our people. Our military budget for the coming year has been increased to 8.4 billion manats, ensuring that our defense capabilities remain unparalleled.

Despite these challenges, our commitment to rebuilding Karabakh and East Zangezur remains unwavering. The progress made under the Great Return Program is evident, with thousands of our compatriots returning to their ancestral lands. From 2021 to today, we have allocated over 19 billion manats to the restoration of these regions, creating opportunities for tens of thousands to live and work in the liberated territories.

Our economic achievements this year further bolster our national strength. With GDP growth exceeding 4%, substantial expansion in the non-oil sector, and foreign reserves now surpassing $72 billion, Azerbaijan’s economic foundation is robust and resilient. Social development remains a priority, reflected in increased wages and pensions starting in 2025 and the implementation of comprehensive social programs to improve the lives of our citizens.

This year, Azerbaijan proudly hosted COP29, the largest international conference in our nation’s history. The event showcased our capacity for global leadership and demonstrated our commitment to addressing pressing global challenges. Despite baseless campaigns aimed at tarnishing our reputation, we emerged stronger, earning the admiration and respect of the international community.

Dear compatriots, as we celebrate the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis, let us reaffirm our unity and shared purpose. Over the past 21 years, we have faced trials and adversities, but we have overcome them with dignity and determination. We have restored our territorial integrity, strengthened our sovereignty, and elevated Azerbaijan’s standing on the global stage.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Azerbaijanis across the world. May the New Year bring you health, happiness, and prosperity. Together, we will continue to build a brighter future for our beloved homeland.

Happy holidays!

Ilham Aliyev
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan