Aliyev: Double standards must be fully removed from international politics

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said double standards must be completely removed from international relations and that Azerbaijan will continue to oppose such approaches in world politics. According to Report.az, he made the remarks in a speech at the opening ceremony of the VII World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku. The report is dated 27 October 2026.

Aliyev drew attention to the widespread use of sanctions in the modern world and to the fact that no similar measures have been taken against Armenia, which occupies about 20% of Azerbaijan's territory and has pursued a policy of ethnic cleansing. "Today we see sanctions everywhere," he said, adding that if one looks north and south from Azerbaijan, hundreds of sanctions can be seen. However, Armenia has not been sanctioned. "This is a matter of double standards," he said.

Aliyev said the fight against double standards is an important element of Azerbaijan's foreign policy, as the country has faced such standards before and continues to do so. He said society shows zero tolerance for double standards and criticised some countries that try to teach others how to live. "Before doing that, you should look in the mirror," he said. Azerbaijan does not interfere in the internal affairs of other states, he added, and expects the same treatment in return.