International assistance as an instrument of “soft power” in Azerbaijan's foreign policy

This article first gives a brief description of the concepts of "soft power" and international assistance, and then indicates the place of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a new donor in the system of international relations. Azerbaijan pursues a special policy on international assistance to other countries and uses it as an instrument of "soft power". In order to effectively implement the policy of international assistance through assistance programs and projects, the Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA) was established in 2011 under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. As the national donor agency of Azerbaijan, AIDA is responsible for delivering humanitarian aid to countries affected by natural and man-made disasters, implementing development assistance projects in developing and least developed countries, and coordinating international development activities with other relevant organizations in Azerbaijan. AIDA also develops and implements international assistance projects within the framework of cooperation with international organizations and development agencies of foreign countries to promote the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. However, it should be noted that the main goal of the Azerbaijani authorities to help other countries is not to expand trade and economic relations, but to create a good image of the country and improve it.