Pundit: Azerbaijan has emerged as "middle power" PHOTO

Azerbaijan has achieved the status of a "middle power" due to its growing regional and international influence, according to Farid Shafiyev, chairman of the Centre of Analysis of International Relations, historian, diplomat, and former Azerbaijani ambassador to the Czech Republic and Canada.

Speaking at a public event, Shafiyev said Azerbaijan's position on the global stage has strengthened significantly in recent years, arguing that such a status cannot be attained through political ambition alone, Caliber.Az reports. 

"A country's status as a middle power cannot be achieved artificially," he said, adding that "Azerbaijan's role is increasingly recognised by other states."

According to Shafiyev, Azerbaijan now exerts influence beyond the South Caucasus, playing an active role in developments across Central Asia and the Middle East.

He attributed the country's growing profile to its involvement in major transportation, energy, transit, diplomatic, and political initiatives that connect regions and facilitate international cooperation.

Shafiyev said Azerbaijan's expanding network of strategic projects has contributed to its rising importance in regional affairs.

By Sabina Mammadli