Formation of the new power centers in the international arena beginning from the early 21st century, development of intergovernmental relations in a different aspect brought to the creation of the new world order. The place and role the Republic of Azerbaijan, a leading state in South Caucasus, which has a suitable geostrategic geographic position, would have in the new world order could be the result of the quick and purposeful strategy. This strategy was successfully realized and changed Azerbaijan into a leading state not only in South Caucasus and also taking a close part in formation of the new world order. The Republic of Azerbaijan is accepted today as a regional power. Its successes in economic and political, cultural and social spheres are obvious. Our national development strategy started in 1993 is successfully continued today and improved upon new principles. Because present Azerbaijan is not Azerbaijan of 1993. Azerbaijan has passed through a huge way of development, obtained achievements, became a progressive member of world community. The Great Leader left us this development. The strategy pursued since 2003 bases just on this ground. In the past 10 years our state has been changed into a leader of the region, a desirable collaborator of states, and a reliable strategic partner.    

In 2003, a new economic policy strategy was launched under leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. The first decrees the President signed served just acceleration of socioeconomic development and regions’ socioeconomic development. Azerbaijan, which, as result of this policy, is confidently building a democratic, legal state and civic society, continuing the course of integration into EuroAtlantic space, has been changed to the focus of global energy and communication projects and one of the leading states in the world for the growth of GDP, is in the leading position today in energy security of Europe. BTC oil pipeline project was launched by the National Leader in 2006. Historical experience shows that sometimes rich natural resources bring nations and states not sustainable development, but plenty of problems. Some countries rich in oil are dominated by tension and instability, deprived of the right of ownership to their own natural riches. Just as result of the successful oil strategy of Heydar Aliyev today’s Azerbaijan is able to compete with big states of the world and this development has formed a modern model of Azerbaijan, which is successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev and guarantees the brighter future of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan for 2 years has been functioning as one of 10 nonpermanent members of the UN Security Council. This is our political triumph. Our economic successes are continued too. The World Economic Forum is an absolute proof. Our country gained achievements in development of nonoil sector, minimized the oil sector dependence. Targeting the path of intellectual economy, our country achieved made the victory of economic strategy possible. We have successes in cultural and social fields as well. Baku’s hosting Eurovision-2012 was our cultural triumph and the result of the recognition of our state as much as possible. Baku will host 2015 European Olympic Games and this is our social victory. 

“Times” included Ilham Aliyev in the list of 100 influential persons of 2012. Adhering to the line of the Great Leader, President Ilham Aliyev has been known as an influential leader and head of state in the country and world. He was declared the “Man of the Year” for his contributions to our statehood, for development of Azerbaijan, enhancement of foreign relations, for his fair position. 

All this show that 10-year activity without the Great Leader was fruitful. These successes are many. The most important is that on the basis of the national development strategy of Heydar Aliyev present Azerbaijan is going towards achievements, identifying the future action priorities. Azerbaijan is a partner to the world community, a state strengthening its independence, expanding foreign relations, assuring its political and economic independence. Azerbaijan has justified this name. And the cornerstone is Heydar Aliyev’s wisdom, quick and successful policy. The Great Leader’s expectations came true, Azerbaijan became one of the most successful states of the 21st century.