Farid Shafiyev: Constitution helps Azerbaijan withstand external challenges

The Constitution of Azerbaijan has undergone three major amendments, which have strengthened the country’s ability to confront external challenges, Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), said during an international conference held at Baku State University.

He noted that in international relations theory, there is a well-known principle: “foreign policy is an extension of domestic policy.”

"The same applies to Azerbaijan, where the Constitution plays a crucial role. When we gained independence, the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict was already underway, and Azerbaijani territories remained under occupation. That conflict taught us many lessons. After the great leader Heydar Aliyev came to power, we signed several agreements, including a ceasefire. In 1995, Azerbaijan adopted its Constitution, and over the years, it has been amended several times," Shafiyev said.

He also pointed to foreign interference as one of the contributing factors to the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict:

"That’s why adopting the Constitution in 1995 and consistently strengthening it has been of great importance."