I am an Azerbaijani student studying in the United States. Every morning, before I start my day, I make it a habit to read the news in my native language. Even though I am thousands of kilometers away, I feel connected to my homeland with every headline I read.
In recent years, watching Azerbaijan’s trajectory in international relations and foreign policy fills me with both pride and hope.
President Ilham Aliyev has been vital in guiding Azerbaijan’s foreign policy with vision and dedication. Under his leadership, our country has become a respected voice in the region and a trusted partner globally.
This is particularly clear in Azerbaijan’s relationship with the United States, the country that hosts me, which has strengthened through collaboration in areas such as energy, peace initiatives, and economic cooperation.
Projects like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor are examples of how Azerbaijan contributes to regional energy security while building international bridges.
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As a student, I feel proud when my professors and classmates mention these initiatives in class discussions. It shows that our country’s growth arc is recognized far beyond its borders.
Recent diplomatic efforts, such as the trilateral summit in Washington in August 2025 with the United States and Armenia highlight Azerbaijan’s commitment to peaceful solutions. The resulting “Joint Declaration” focused on cooperation, open communication, and transit connections, emphasizing dialogue over conflict.
One notable project, the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP), envisions a transit corridor connecting mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, creating opportunities for regional collaboration and development.
During his visit to the United States in September 2025, President Aliyev met with leaders from major investment firms, including Brookfield Asset Management and Neuberger Berman, and participated in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
His meetings underscored Azerbaijan’s growing role as a partner in peace, security, and international cooperation. The US decision to extend the waiver of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act further strengthened these connections.
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At the Caspian Business Forum in New York, President Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a “connecting bridge” in regional collaboration, reinforcing the country’s commitment to fostering partnerships and mutual understanding.
At the same time, Azerbaijan’s peace initiatives have also been in the spotlight. With US support, ongoing negotiations aimed at ensuring stability in the South Caucasus reflect President Aliyev’s forward-looking leadership.
He has repeatedly declared that Azerbaijan’s main objective is to achieve lasting peace in the region — a goal of vital importance not only for the South Caucasus but also for the international community.
As a young student far away from home, I see these achievements as a source of personal inspiration. They show that diplomacy and dialogue can lead to real progress, even in a region with a complex history.
They also remind us that education, cultural exchange, and international cooperation are pathways to building stronger global ties.
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Every time I read a positive news about my country, I feel proud. Azerbaijan is recognized not just for its energy and economic contributions, but also for its commitment to peaceful dialogue and cooperation.
Even though I am far away, I am confident that the bonds between Azerbaijan and other nations will continue to grow stronger.
And as my country’s flag rises at international events, I smile and think: I am Azerbaijani. I am part of a nation that believes in friendship, dialogue, and hope.
Meltem Safarli
Meltem Safarli is an Azerbaijani undergraduate student studying in the United States. She is interested in international relations, diplomacy, and global cooperation, writing about how young people experience their homeland from abroad. She can be reached at msafarli@iastate.edu
