Baku: There is nothing better than peace, President Ilham Aliyev stated during the opening ceremony of the 13th Global Baku Forum. The event, which gathered leaders and experts from around the world, served as a platform for discussing pressing global issues and sharing experiences in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev reflected on Azerbaijan's journey towards peace, highlighting the prolonged period when the United Nations Security Council's resolutions, which called for the withdrawal of Armenian forces from Azerbaijani territories, remained unimplemented for nearly three decades. He described this as a 'bad experience' that underscored the challenges of enforcing international law through diplomatic means alone.

President Aliyev recounted Azerbaijan's eventual recourse to military action during the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020, which he described as a pivotal moment that demonstrated the necessity of force when peaceful solutions seemed unattainable. By reclaiming its territories, Azerbaijan restored its sovereignty and territorial integrity, leading to a subsequent peace process with Armenia.

He further elaborated on the unique nature of the peace achieved between Azerbaijan and Armenia, noting the rapid transition from conflict in September 2023 to peace in August 2025. The president attributed this swift normalization to strong political will and mutual recognition of the futility of eternal hostility. After seven months of peace, President Aliyev emphasized the tangible benefits of harmony, reiterating his belief that there is nothing better than peace.