President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to Euronews television on May 18.
Modern.az website presents the interview.
Reporter: Mr. President, as always, we are very happy to see you again. More than 40,000 participants from 182 countries. This is the second largest event held in Azerbaijan after COP29. How does hosting WUF13 contribute to Azerbaijan's international role in shaping the future of sustainable urban development?
President Ilham Aliyev: Of course, it is a great honor for us to host WUF13. 182 countries are represented here. This is a clear example of the respect shown to Azerbaijan. As far as I know, the number of participants has reached a record high. This demonstrates both the importance of the topic and the host country's extensive international relations.
Naturally, this forum is also an opportunity for us to inform the audience and the international community about the work done so far and our future plans, and at the same time, to benefit from the experience of our partners. Because the level of participation and the number of heads of state and government show that urban planning issues are among the topics that many world leaders pay attention to today. As I noted in my speech, the modernization of cities must be reconciled with the preservation of historical and architectural heritage.
Reporter: It is clear that Azerbaijan has presented “smart city” and green energy projects in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur. These are areas being rebuilt in the post-conflict period. How do you think these projects can contribute to global urban innovations? You talked about benefiting from the experience of others, but what can they learn from you?
President Ilham Aliyev: I think that we have formed a unique experience in building cities and villages from scratch to date. Unfortunately, the large-scale destruction of the occupied territories forced us to do this. As a result of a phased approach, and in some cases parallel development, we have ensured the return of more than 85,000 people to their native lands in five years.
First of all, the issue of electricity was resolved. To date, 307 megawatts of hydropower capacity have been commissioned, and solar energy projects with a capacity of 340 megawatts are currently under construction. This volume will be sufficient not only for Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur, but also for wider areas. In addition, the integration of the electricity grid with the country's overall energy system has been ensured. 70 kilometers of tunnels with a total length of 75 kilometers have already been commissioned, and 435 of 500 bridges have already been built.
Railways, schools, hospitals - all these works are carried out in parallel. In the first years of reconstruction, we invested the main capital in the creation of infrastructure. Currently, our main investments are directed to the construction of residential areas - projects are being implemented according to the Master Plans of cities, and the concepts of “Smart City” and “Smart Village”. Plans are being implemented for each village. Thus, I believe that our experience can be an example for countries facing similar problems for reconstruction.
Reporter: So it can serve as a model for other countries in the world, which is great. Azerbaijan has today become one of the countries that make a significant contribution to Europe's energy security. How do you see Azerbaijan's role developing at a time when Europe is diversifying its energy sources?
President Ilham Aliyev: We started cooperation with Europe in the energy sector some time ago. Especially after 2020 - with the commissioning of the Southern Gas Corridor, this process has accelerated even more. Currently, natural gas is exported to 16 countries through this corridor. We are in the first place in the world in terms of the number of countries to which we supply gas through pipelines. This number is increasing. 10 member states of the European Union are our customers. In total, 12 European countries buy gas from Azerbaijan. The number of countries is increasing. The number of applications from countries wishing to start cooperation with us is also increasing.
Fortunately, we have completed our homework in the field of pipeline infrastructure and production on time. Currently, the production level is increasing. Soon, probably at the beginning of next month, we will announce the start of gas production from a new field. There is mutually beneficial cooperation here. We need a premium market, which is Europe. Europe, in turn, needs an alternative supply source like Azerbaijan. Thus, we combined our efforts and established very effective cooperation with the European Commission.
Reporter: Thank you. You have been an active supporter of diplomacy and stability both in the region and beyond. Currently, the Hormuz crisis is affecting the regional and global economy. How does Azerbaijan approach and deal with this situation?
President Ilham Aliyev: This crisis does not seriously affect us in terms of the supply chain. Because the policy of diversifying energy supply and routes is not an issue of today for us. This policy has been implemented for many years, and together with our partners, as well as neighboring countries, we have managed to form a diversified supply system for oil, gas, electricity and transport connectivity.
Of course, the events in the Middle East affect everyone to some extent. Some may think that high oil prices can be beneficial. Yes, that's right. But at the same time, many oil-rich countries invest their funds in bonds, and many invest in stock markets. When such instability occurs, stock markets fall. As a result, although we get some income from high oil prices, we suffer losses in our investments in the markets. Thus, this affects everyone.
However, in terms of our own energy projects, we are in a safe position. As you mentioned, we are always in favor of diplomacy. Without diplomacy, we would not be able to bring our resources to the markets. Because for this, it was necessary to pass through the territory of other countries, establish good relations with neighbors and neighbors' neighbors, form a multilateral cooperation format, and create a win-win situation between producers, transit countries and consumers so that everyone adheres to the rules and earns income.
In this regard, I think that Azerbaijan's experience can be useful. After the crisis is resolved - this will happen sooner or later - a new situation will probably arise. Many countries will reconsider their energy policies and ways of delivering energy resources. It is very likely that Azerbaijan's geography and existing resources will be in greater demand than they are today.
Reporter: Mr. President, it is always a great pleasure to talk to you.
President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. I am pleased to see you in Azerbaijan again.
Reporter: It's always a pleasure to be back. Thank you for the interview.
