Baku think tank: Time for Central Asia to recognise Azerbaijan’s role in regional platform

Azerbaijan and Central Asian nations should consider expanding their regional cooperation format to include both Azerbaijan and the European Union, according to Rusif Huseynov, director and co-founder of the Topchubashov Center.

Speaking at a panel discussion in Baku titled “Azerbaijan and the Economic Cooperation Organisation: Opportunities and Prospects”, Huseynov proposed a revised framework — the “5+1+1” format — encompassing the five Central Asian states, Azerbaijan, and the EU, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

“Central Asia’s role has steadily increased in recent years, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has prompted greater Western engagement in the region,” Huseynov said.

“But we must also remember that Azerbaijan is part of this geopolitical landscape. That is why discussions should take place in a 5+1+1 format.”

He added that Azerbaijan, especially after the just resolution of the Karabakh conflict, has been prioritising the strengthening of ties with other regions, notably Central Asia.

Huseynov also noted that Azerbaijan is increasingly shifting from bilateral engagements towards multilateral platforms. He cited the country’s accession last year to the Developing-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8) as a case in point.

By Aghakazim Guliyev