Azerbaijan hopes for a swift end to the conflict between the US and Iran, President Ilham Aliyev said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum themed "The Mission of Media in Promoting Peace: Restoring Truth and Rebuilding Trust".

Axar.az informs, citing Repоrt, the head of state noted that Azerbaijan is almost at the center of the war:

"Currently, both of our neighboring countries to the north and south are in a state of war. This raises concerns regarding the protection of our country. At the same time, we are doing everything we can to ensure peace in the region and to put an end to this conflict and bloodshed. In particular, I would like to highlight Pakistan and my friend Shehbaz Sharif in this matter. They have done great work in terms of mediation between the US and Iran. Unfortunately, it did not last very long. However, I still hope that the resumption of the current conflict will not be long-lasting. I hope for a swift end to the conflict. I am confident that peace is possible. But it is difficult to make any predictions today."

"There is stability along our borders. However, if there are conflicts along your borders, you cannot feel safe. Azerbaijan has been living in conditions of peace for less than a year. We want peace both to the north and to the south of our borders. Naturally, peace must be just and based on international law. Because Azerbaijan has always been a proponent of international law, even during the conflict with Armenia. We were both protecting and defending ourselves. Because Azerbaijan had been subjected to occupation since the early 1990s. We always tried to resolve the conflict through peaceful means. However, this did not happen, and we resolved the issue through military means. We did not go further than necessary. Although there had been a wound in our hearts for 30 years. Still, we stopped at the necessary point. Of course, we had other options as well. But we proved that we are a wise and responsible partner."

The head of state also noted that Pakistan is respected at the international level:

"It became the only country that could mediate between the US and Iran. It was able to take this responsibility upon itself. Considering the recent events and new tensions, a ceasefire in this struggle is very important. We believe that no one can do this better than Pakistan. I am confident that if Pakistan continues its efforts from now on, it will achieve new success and peace will come to the Middle East."