Azerbaijan’s inclusion in Central Asian format creates new opportunities, envoy says

Azerbaijan’s accession to the consultative meeting format of Central Asian heads of state marks the opening of a new platform for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual support, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Sweden, Zaur Ahmadov, wrote in an article for the Swedish publication Geopolitika.

Ahmadov highlighted that the “historic decision” adopted on November 16 at the Tashkent summit to include Azerbaijan in the regional format represents an important step forward in strengthening ties, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

"This decision not only carries significant symbolic meaning, but also creates a new geopolitical and geoeconomic reality in which Azerbaijan and the Central Asian countries act as a unified strategic space stretching from Asia to Europe," he noted.

The ambassador noted that Azerbaijan and Central Asian states have already been deepening cooperation for several years through various regional platforms, particularly within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). With Azerbaijan’s full participation in the consultative meetings, this collaboration now expands to a broader level.

Ahmadov also underlined that Central Asia is gaining global prominence at a time of international uncertainty and shifting economic priorities. He said the region is increasingly viewed as a stable and predictable center of diplomacy, attracting growing interest from the EU, the US, and China.

According to him, Azerbaijan is well positioned to contribute to this regional momentum.

"Thanks to our geographic location on the Caspian coast, we serve as a natural bridge between Central Asia and Europe. Investments in the Middle Corridor, modernization of the Baku port, and development of rail and road infrastructure are increasingly linking the regions. The nearly 90% growth in cargo volumes passing through Azerbaijan in recent years shows how rapidly the significance of this route is increasing," the ambassador wrote.

He added that deeper cooperation with Central Asian states — particularly Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan — in areas such as energy, transport, and digitalisation is helping form an integrated Eurasian transport network.

"At the same time, we maintain broad engagement with Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, based on mutual respect, pragmatism, and inclusivity," he concluded.

By Sabina Mammadli