Kazakhstan highlights growing Azerbaijan–Central Asia cooperation

All necessary conditions have been established to strengthen relations and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Central Asian states, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakayev said on the sidelines of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2026) in Türkiye.

Bakayev emphasised that transport-logistics links and energy interconnections involving Azerbaijan were a key topic of discussion at the forum, Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

“We are located in the same region. In particular, the Middle Corridor is of great importance in this regard. This corridor connects Central Asian countries with the South Caucasus, while also linking Europe with China and Southeast Asia. I believe it is essential to continue our activities more actively in this direction,” Bakayev said.

He noted that the Middle Corridor has become an increasingly important strategic route for regional connectivity and international trade, strengthening cooperation between Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and wider Eurasian markets.

Referring to cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Bakayev highlighted the platform’s broader significance for regional integration.

“Here, Turkic states can actively cooperate not only in political and economic fields but also in culture, heritage, and academic collaboration. I believe the future of this cooperation is very promising,” he said.

By Sabina Mammadli