Azerbaijani pundit: International forces pressuring Caspian countries to make choices PHOTO

Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijani Centre of Analysis of International Relations Farid Shafiyev has said that currently, some global and regional players are attempting to corner the countries of the Caspian region into making difficult choices.

Shafiyev made these remarks during the 12th meeting of the Think Tank Forum of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia held in Shanghai, China, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He emphasised that amid geopolitical tensions and the vulnerabilities of international trade routes, the importance of the Caspian region is becoming evident.

"Over the past 30 years, the Caspian littoral countries have strived to maintain a balance in their relations with major geopolitical players, and this approach will continue to be a priority for the foreign policy of most countries in the region. It is important to recognize that these countries have their own national interests, particularly fundamental ones such as independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. However, the principles of international law especially territorial integrity and sovereignty are being violated by global powers. This makes the current world order more vulnerable and fragmented. Achieving global peace and stability now seems like a distant prospect. Nevertheless, countries must seek ways to reach a consensus, at least at the regional level," Shafiyev stated. 

He emphasised that since regaining independence, Azerbaijan has consistently supported multilateralism and the supremacy of international law.

The meeting, which is being held on October 24-25, is focused on the theme "New Role of Asia in a Multipolar World".

By Naila Huseynova