The decision adopted in Tashkent on November 16 to include Azerbaijan as a full participant in the consultative meeting of Central Asia’s heads of state marks a new chapter in regional cooperation. It is a decision that not only carries significant symbolic weight, but also opens the door to a new geopolitical and geo-economic reality—one in which Azerbaijan and Central Asia appear as a single strategic space stretching from Asia to the doorstep of Europe.
For several years, Azerbaijan and the Central Asian countries have deepened their cooperation in various regional formats, particularly within the framework of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS). With full participation in the consultative format, this development has now been elevated to a new level. Our historical, cultural and linguistic ties are now complemented by increasingly close political and economic cooperation – and Central Asia now stands united as ‘six’.
Central Asia’s increasing importance
In a time marked by global uncertainty, strategic rivalry and shifts in the world’s economic centre of gravity, Central Asia is emerging as a growing region—stable, predictable and becoming a hub for international diplomacy. The rising interest from the EU, the United States, China and other key actors underscores the region’s increasing importance.
Azerbaijan is well positioned to contribute to this dynamic. With our geographical location on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, we serve as a natural bridge between Central Asia and Europe. Through investments in the Middle Corridor, the modernisation of the Port of Baku and the expansion of rail and road infrastructure, we are binding the regions more closely together. The fact that freight transit through Azerbaijan has increased by around 90 per cent in recent years shows how quickly the corridor is growing in significance.
Deeper cooperation with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan—in energy, transport and digitalisation—is shaping an integrated Eurasian transport space. At the same time, we also maintain broad cooperation with Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, based on mutual respect, pragmatism and inclusiveness.
Common standards
At this year’s summit, it was emphasised that Azerbaijan’s participation will strengthen efforts to develop common standards for transport, logistics and digital customs processing – measures that will accelerate trade and make the Middle Corridor more competitive globally. This is of great importance not only for our region, but also for Europe, which is actively seeking new, secure and diversified transport routes.
Equally important is the political dimension. The new six-state platform signals a shared desire to promote stability, mutual respect and regional ownership.
For Azerbaijan, which has always pursued a balanced and independent foreign policy, this format provides a new forum for dialogue, cooperation and mutual support based on common interests.
At a time when Europe is seeking new connections, Central Asia is opening itself to the world, and global geopolitics is changing rapidly, the decision in Tashkent is both timely and strategic.
Photo: Dreamstime.
