The Estonian publication Business-M has published an in-depth article spotlighting Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s responses during his meeting with participants of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, held in Khankendi.

Titled “Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI,” the article notes that the forum brought together 140 guests from 52 countries, including representatives of around 30 news agencies and 80 media entities.

President Aliyev’s opening remarks were quoted extensively:

“I would like to welcome all our guests to Karabakh and express my gratitude for being with us. This is already the third time that this important gathering takes place in Karabakh. The Shusha Media Forum has already become a tradition, and I hope that this tradition will continue. As time passes, we see more guests and broader geographical coverage. This once again shows that there is a strong need for open discussions in a friendly atmosphere on the most important topics — not only those on the media community’s agenda, but also issues of the global agenda. The situation in the world changes so quickly. So, if we look back at last year’s forum in Shusha, we can see many changes in our region and the world.

Of course, the media is the first to rush to the scene — to report the story, to cover the event, and to provide feedback. I’m very glad that we have such a large gathering here in Khankendi. We decided to hold today’s meeting here - in this newly built Congress Hall, located on Victory Square in Khankendi. I'm sure it will also be interesting for our guests to see what has been accomplished in terms of reconstruction and the return of people who were forcefully displaced from these areas more than 30 years ago. So, I will now conclude my remarks to leave more room for discussion. Once again, thank you for being with us today.”

The article also highlights a notable exchange with Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Gordon, who asked, “What advice could you, as the leader of a victorious nation, give to Ukraine and Ukrainians?” President Aliyev replied, “Never to come to terms with occupation.”

Business-M reports that President Aliyev’s comments have drawn attention from political leaders worldwide, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who shared a clip of the Azerbaijani leader’s remarks on his Truth Social platform.

Emil Huseynli

Special correspondent