Speaking at the congress of the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan Party, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared that there are only two superpowers in the modern world—the United States and China—and that a third simply does not exist.
He asserted that Baku has managed to sign historically important documents with both powers: a declaration on comprehensive strategic partnership was concluded with Beijing, and a Strategic Charter with Washington. Aliyev emphasized that for a country with a small territory and population, establishing such a level of relations with the world's two main powers is a major foreign policy success.
In his speech, the Azerbaijani leader made no mention of Russia whatsoever. This is notable given that back in 2022, Baku signed a Declaration on Allied Cooperation with Moscow, and Vladimir Putin traditionally ranks Russia among the great powers. Aliyev's statement effectively bypasses Moscow's ambitions of being a superpower.
The Azerbaijani president's statement is not a coincidental phrasing, but a demonstrative emphasis of Baku's foreign policy vector. By presenting relations with China and the US as a priority, Aliyev is sending a distinct signal to the international community.
The omission of Russia's name speaks volumes, especially against the backdrop of the 2022 allied declaration. This shows that Baku is trying to maneuver between power centers, demonstrating its independence from Moscow's influence.
