Abstract

After regaining its independence on October 18, 1991, the Republic of Azerbaijan had a historic opportunity to develop and strengthen its statehood. In such circumstances, the formation and implementation of a new foreign policy course in accordance with the principles of national statehood was the most important issue. Armenian separatism, which started in Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia's groundless territorial claims against Azerbaijan, as well as the expansion of military aggression, not only faced our country with serious political and economic problems, but also brought to the fore the fulfillment of important tasks in the foreign policy of our state. Preventing Armenia's military aggression against our country, eliminating its severe consequences, ensuring the territorial integrity and security of our state, and the need to be politically and economically integrated into the world required a thoughtful, consistent and active foreign policy. In the second half of 1993, the national leader Heydar Aliyev's return to power created conditions for establishing the ideas of independent statehood in Azerbaijan. After that, practical changes were made in the course of Azerbaijan's foreign policy, taking into account the current realities and aimed at protecting the national interests of our country. Our foreign policy implemented since this period is related to the name and activities of the National Leader. The article talks about Heydar Aliyev's activities in the establishment of diplomatic relations with Middle Eastern countries, Muslim and Arab countries during the second years of his power.