Azerbaijan moves toward middle power model following regional peace, says top official

Azerbaijan has outlined a new direction in its foreign policy following the settlement of conflict with Armenia, describing itself as transitioning toward a “middle power” role, said Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, during an online address at the Trans-Caspian Forum.

Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijan has been developing the Middle Corridor since gaining independence, adding that following the settlement of the Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict and the establishment of peace in the region, Azerbaijan’s foreign policy has gained new dimensions and opportunities, expanding into new geographical areas, Caliber.Az reports, citing state media.

“Azerbaijan is a country of the South Caucasus. At the same time, we belong to the family of Central Asia and the Caspian Sea region. Azerbaijan has identities connected with Europe and the Middle East. All these values do not contradict each other but complement one another,” Hajiyev said.

He added that following the settlement of the conflict with Armenia, Azerbaijan has transitioned to the concept of a “middle power.”

“For us, the concept of a ‘middle power’ is measured not only by size, economy, and population. It is a network of partnerships of countries,” he noted.

By Vafa Guliyeva