While restoring its territories liberated from Armenian occupation, Azerbaijan continues to play an active role in the field of promoting international development. As stated by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Samir Sharifov, speaking at the 4th United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development, over the past five years Azerbaijan has provided assistance to developing countries totaling more than $350 million.

The topic raised by the Deputy Prime Minister, as well as the figure he cited, calls for a focused discussion, since we are dealing with pages of the recent history of the Azerbaijani state — a state that has endured countless hardships and challenges, tragedies and sufferings, and has ultimately revived and strengthened.

We believe this story should begin with the events of the early 1990s. During that period, the country faced an unprecedented humanitarian crisis — Azerbaijanis, forcibly expelled from their native lands, lived in extremely harsh conditions, with barracks and temporary shelters becoming their refuge. How could their basic needs be met? How could the large-scale socio-economic problems be solved, especially amid internal political instability? At that time, separatist sentiments were artificially stoked in the south and north of the country, while “field commanders” and “money bags” sought to advance their political ambitions. And few believed during those turbulent times that the country would be able to stand on its feet again.

But Azerbaijan succeeded! After the return to leadership of the national leader Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan embarked on a path of revival and development. Targeted measures began to be implemented in the country to strengthen the economy — primarily through oil and gas resources — and to invest in the social sphere and infrastructure. As a result, both the capital Baku and the regions have undergone incredible transformations and today are popular destinations for tourists from various countries around the world. Gabala is a good example — just compare its appearance from 20 years ago to today.

At the same time, it is necessary to take into account that Azerbaijan allocated enormous funds to defense due to the then unresolved Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and continues to do so because of other challenges that have emerged following the country’s victory in the 44-day war and the successful anti-terrorist operation in the Karabakh region.

According to data from SIPRI and the World Bank, Azerbaijan’s military expenditures have increased significantly during the period from 2005 to 2022–2024. In 2005, they amounted to $0.3 billion, while in 2022–2024 they ranged between $3-3.8 billion.

Research shows that Azerbaijan’s total military spending for the period from 1992 to 2023 amounted to approximately $42 billion. This is simply colossal for a small country like Azerbaijan! The result of this was the full restoration of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the transformation of the Azerbaijani army into one of the most combat-ready in the world. And the process continues. According to reports from several media outlets, Azerbaijan is increasing its order of JF-17 Block3 fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, from the initial 16 to 40 aircraft. The deal is estimated to be worth $4.2 billion. All of this the country has done and continues to do on its own, without anyone’s help, sponsorship, or false charity.

As we noted above, the Azerbaijani state is reviving the liberated territories. This includes restoring infrastructure (roads, power grids, water supply systems), building housing, demining territories, reconstructing historical and religious monuments, implementing the State Program — Great Return, and developing the agricultural and tourism potential of Karabakh.

From 2021 to 2024, 17.6 billion manats ($10.3 billion) were allocated from the state budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the restoration and reconstruction of the territories liberated from occupation, including 5.35 billion manats ($3.14 billion) in 2024 and 4 billion manats ($2.35 billion) planned for 2025. Over the next five years, the government forecasts expenditures of 20 billion manats ($11.7 billion) for the restoration and reconstruction of the liberated territories.

While focusing on internal matters, Azerbaijan actively participates in foreign policy cooperation and contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including climate financing and providing assistance to developing countries.

The independent Republic of Azerbaijan has made an impressive journey over these years — from economic and humanitarian crises to becoming a donor of international programmes and a country with a modern armed forces. This experience of Azerbaijan deserves not only respect but also detailed study by foreign analysts, economists, conflict experts, and journalists.

Source: caliber.az