Baku: During the pandemic, measures such as border control and quarantine regimes were implemented globally in accordance with emergency situations. In Azerbaijan, the closure of land borders was also considered an important step within this framework. However, after the active phase of the pandemic ended, the continued closure of the borders sparked various discussions in society and the political sphere. Although opposition circles tried to politicize this issue and present the government’s decision as a cause of public discontent, over time, developments in the region clearly demonstrated how well-founded and farsighted this decision was.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the geographical location of Azerbaijan is strategically both a source of opportunities and threats. Currently, two of the country’s major neighbors – Iran and Russia – are either directly or indirectly involved in military conflicts. Russia has been engaged in a large-scale and multifaceted military confrontation with Ukraine for over three years. This conflict presents security challenges not only for Eastern Europe but also for the entire post-Soviet space. On the other hand, armed clashes between Iran and Israel have recently entered a new and more intense phase. Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, as well as Iran’s retaliatory actions, have led to a de facto state of war in the region. Now, it has become clearer to everyone why the borders remained closed – because such tensions were anticipated.
President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly emphasized in his speeches that the continued closure of the borders is neither a random decision nor a move toward isolationist policy. He has underlined that this decision is based on well-founded geopolitical and security considerations. The head of state has stated that Azerbaijan’s internal stability and public safety are of utmost importance, and these priorities were the main factors guiding the decision on the border issue.
On April 23, 2024, at the international forum titled ‘COP29 and Green Vision for Azerbaijan’ held at ADA University, President Ilham Aliyev stated that the decision to keep the borders closed was a strategic and necessary step taken to protect Azerbaijan’s national security against the backdrop of regional instability and growing external threats. He highlighted that the decision was not solely based on the pandemic but also on the need to strengthen internal security and stability.
Adviser to the Academy of Public Administration under the President, Chairman of the Baku Political Scientists Club, Zaur Mammadov stated to APA that the continued closure of land borders is a strategic and farsighted step aimed at protecting national security, sovereignty, and public stability amid changing regional threats. He emphasized that geopolitical realities have aligned the decision more closely with broader national security objectives, considering the ongoing conflicts involving Azerbaijan’s neighbors.
The closure of borders has played an important role not only in the field of security but also in ensuring socio-political stability. The rising inflation, public discontent, and economic and social turmoil caused by sanctions in various countries across the region could have led to increased migration into Azerbaijan. This, in turn, could have placed additional pressure on the domestic labor market, the social welfare system, and the overall public environment. Keeping the borders closed also prevented these potential tensions.
Addressing the issue of keeping the borders closed in his speech at the first session of the seventh convocation of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan held on September 23, 2024, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that the continued closure of land borders in recent years has ensured security and stability in Azerbaijan. He pointed out that the country has been saved from potential disasters and that a reliable environment for development and foreign investment has been created.
Political analyst Zaur Mammadov further added that Azerbaijan’s decision to keep its borders closed serves the purpose of strengthening statehood and preventing external risks. He noted that this decision is fully justified and logical in terms of preserving internal stability, protecting national interests, and countering regional risks.
Today’s realities show that the prolonged closure of borders should be regarded as part of Azerbaijan’s defense and security strategy. Keeping the borders closed has also prevented the use of Azerbaijani territory for certain undesirable purposes. The Azerbaijani state closely monitors both regional and global developments, while maintaining full control internally to ensure security and stability. The continued closure of borders remains a key pillar of this policy, and maintaining this approach in the near future will be in line with national interests.