When Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020, it was widely seen as a geopolitical turning point. But nearly four years later, it is clear that this moment marked not the end of a struggle, but the beginning of a remarkable transformation, one that combines the dignity of sovereignty with a sweeping vision of peace, prosperity, and national unity.

At the heart of this transformation stands the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, whose leadership has steered the country from military success to diplomatic maturity and post-conflict revival. The recent direct meeting in Abu Dhabi between President Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, held without any foreign mediators, reflects the growing confidence and self-reliance of Azerbaijan in shaping its own regional future.

Described as constructive and focused, the Abu Dhabi talks addressed critical issues such as border delimitation, the development of the Zangazur Corridor, and the foundations of a long-awaited peace agreement. Importantly, both sides agreed to continue negotiations through various working groups and high-level channels. That such progress was made in the absence of external actors is no coincidence; it is a testament to Baku’s longstanding position that peace in the South Caucasus should be decided by its own nations, not imposed by distant........

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