A correspondence that says more than it seems

The exchange of letters between US President Donald Trump and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is a political signal addressed to several audiences at once - from the Middle East to Europe and the post-Soviet space.

The very fact that Azerbaijan is being offered the status of a founding country of a new international structure, the Peace Council, takes Baku far beyond its regional role. We are talking about joining a narrow circle of States that form the architecture of a new international mechanism for conflict resolution.

What could be more important in a situation where the current world order has been completely destroyed - and, apparently, irrevocably?

Trump's letter is emphatically personalized. The US President appeals not only to the state, but also to the personal political weight of President Ilham Aliyev, inviting him to join the initiative, which has already received the approval of the UN Security Council and the support of key players in the Middle East and Europe.

This is a recognition that Azerbaijan is perceived today as a responsible and independent actor capable of participating in conflict resolution far beyond the borders of the South Caucasus.

President Ilham Aliyev's response, in turn, is extremely precise.

The Azerbaijani leader's letter clearly states the main thing: participation in the Peace Council is seen as a confirmation of the strategic partnership with the United States, and as recognition of Azerbaijan's role in promoting international stability.

Accepting the invitation in Davos, a venue where the global agenda is traditionally shaped, only reinforces the symbolism of this step.

It is also important that Baku directly links its participation in the Peace Council with the mission to resolve the conflict in Gaza. Azerbaijan consciously assumes political responsibility in one of the most sensitive and complex regions of the world, demonstrating its willingness to be a part of the solution.

Taken together, this correspondence reflects a deeper process: Azerbaijan is becoming even more entrenched in the role of a state whose opinion is taken into account not only in the region, but also in global politics. And this is perhaps the main conclusion that should be drawn from these letters, regardless of the wording and diplomatic language.