Baku: "Azerbaijan deserves congratulations for presenting an island of civilization and security in such a period," said former President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga at a press conference dedicated to the 13th Global Baku Forum, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, serious conflicts are continuing in the world that threaten not only peace but also the stability and economic balance of the entire world. Vike-Freiberga emphasized the challenging times that create a feeling of helplessness. She highlighted Azerbaijan's success in resolving its long-standing conflict with neighboring Armenia, which had been known as a 'frozen conflict.'

The former Latvian president noted that everything in the region seemed promising, with hopes of leaving behind old conflicts, hatreds, misunderstandings, and differing views. The aim was to overcome these issues and build on common ground, focusing on the well-being of the majority rather than a select few.

However, by 2026, the situation had deteriorated, with feelings of hatred resurfacing. In this difficult and tense period, Vike-Freiberga expressed high expectations from the Global Baku Forum. She hoped the ideas discussed would offer hope to ordinary people concerned about their future and the planet's future, pointing towards paths that could improve rather than worsen the situation.