EBRD rep: Azerbaijan emerges as key partner in Central Asian dialogue

Azerbaijan has become an integral part of regional dialogue and coordination among Central Asian countries, said Alkis Drakinos, Regional Director for the Caucasus at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), during a panel at the 13th Baku Global Forum.

He noted that in recent years, regional cooperation in Central Asia has strengthened significantly, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“A few years ago, countries in the region barely interacted with each other. Today, thanks to reforms and policy changes, active dialogue and partnerships are developing between them,” he said.

Drakinos emphasised that this process extends beyond Central Asia alone.

“Azerbaijan is actively involved in this process, becoming an important participant in discussions on coordinating regional initiatives. President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan joined a consultative meeting of Central Asian leaders, which was an important step in expanding cooperation between the two regions,” he said.

According to the EBRD representative, Azerbaijan’s participation in this format lays the groundwork for closer coordination not only at the political level but also in practical cooperation and implementation of joint projects.

By Khagan Isayev