Today, Azerbaijan is actively involved in global processes for the protection of peace and stability in the world. Azerbaijan is a strategic partner to leading states and recognized as one of the most rapidly developing countries in the world. All large projects in the region are accomplished with participation of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has already confirmed its place in the world map and is rapidly developing. Besides, Azerbaijan’s integration to West has been accelerated. This serves enhancement of cooperation and building relations on the basis of mutual interests and friendship. 

The above mentioned achievements are sourced from the purposeful, quick and adaptable strategy of politics and the leader able to successfully pursue this policy. Successes President Ilham Aliyev has obtained in Azerbaijani politics, his confirmation as a modern politician characterized his influence on the development of political processes. Also, the well-established behaviors of the head of state towards the realization of national interests were a major factor ensuring the national desires. The President proved his ability to continue the political line of Heydar Aliyev.  

Azerbaijani economy is among the world leaders for the rate of development and takes one of the first places among former soviet countries for the living standard. WB declared this biggest South Caucasian country the number one reformer country in the globe. Of course, economic development and social successes are specific to a country with rich oil and gas resources. But we know that there is a negative precedent such “Dutch syndrome”, which paralyzes economic system when economy bases on oil only. Also, South Caucasus is a special region from strategic and political views. Interests of many power centers of the world encounter in the region. In this respect, independence of state depends on the development of a rapid, balanced strategic line and its accomplishment according to the circumstances. Our successes gained are the result of the correct application of the balanced policy.

Azerbaijan is quickly developing under the leadership of Ilham Aliyev, a leader with a profound literacy, deep knowledge of modern politics and economy, able to take the pulse of time. Economic successes gained for short time, energy strategy, oil and gas pipelines constructed, Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway corridor under construction have changed our country into a desirable member of the world community. Located in the junction of Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan has been integrated into political and economic structures of both continents. Besides, Azerbaijan makes multibillion investments in a number of countries. Oil revenues are collected in the Oil Fund and directed to the development of nonoil sector. Only in 2012, this sector grew for more than 10%. Azerbaijan’s election as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council can be assessed as a peak point of President Ilham Aliyev’s foreign policy.  

In his speech in the inaugural ceremony in 2003, President Ilham Aliyev identified the future of himself and the country like this: “I believe in the happy future of Azerbaijan. Our country will become a modern state. But to accomplish it all and change Azerbaijan into a powerful state, the policy of Heydar Aliyev must be continued in the country.” For the short time, the President of Azerbaijan wholly justified all hopes for him, adopted quick and firm decisions meeting the interests of every citizen. For the past 10 years, the Azerbaijani President kept devotion to this course, managed to strengthen the achievements and reach new peaks. This proves the well-established confidence in him. The people have unanimously declared Ilham Aliyev as an absolute leader of society, accepted the truth that the bright future of Azerbaijan will be realized with him.