Azerbaijan President Aliyev Considers Full Exit from Council of Europe

President Ilham Aliyev announced at the opening of the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum that Azerbaijan is weighing a complete withdrawal from the Council of Europe. The move follows the Parliamentary Assembly’s 2024 decision to strip the Azerbaijani delegation of its voting rights, which Aliyev described as an unjust punitive measure after Baku restored its territorial integrity. He said the country would return only if its voting rights are restored, and noted that the Council’s secretary‑general has asked Azerbaijan not to leave.

Aliyev also highlighted Azerbaijan’s strong diplomatic engagement with the European Union, citing recent visits by EU leaders such as Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa and Kaja Kallas. He underscored ongoing negotiations to expand natural‑gas exports, noting that Azerbaijan now supplies pipeline gas to 16 countries, including Germany and Austria, and aims to increase volumes under long‑term contracts.

In addition, the president called for a swift de‑escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, urging regional neighbours to act responsibly and emphasizing that lasting peace must be based on international law.