Baku:President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has declared that Azerbaijan has successfully established itself as a reliable and respected member of the international community. This announcement was made during the opening of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, President Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan's strategic partnerships with major global powers, highlighting the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Declaration signed with China in April 2025 and the Strategic Charter signed with the United States in August 2025. Additionally, Azerbaijan has formed strategic partnership declarations or agreements with ten members of the European Union.

President Aliyev also announced that Azerbaijan will host the Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation next year and chair the organization, which comprises nearly 60 countries. Furthermore, Baku is set to host the Summit of the European Political Community in 2028, marking its position as a significant venue for international dialogue.

He noted Azerbaijan's policy of multiculturalism and its efforts to foster intercultural dialogue, which have contributed to the country's respected status on the global stage. The recent hosting of the Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and Azerbaijan's unanimous extension of its chairmanship for two more years were cited as further evidence of its growing influence.

President Aliyev concluded by highlighting Azerbaijan's inclusion as a full member of the Central Asia Consultative Format, despite its geographical location in the Caucasus, as a sign of respect for its role in various international aspects. He suggested that Azerbaijan's experience in conflict resolution should be thoroughly examined.