The “six” format – a new factor in geopolitics Experts weigh in on Azerbaijan–Central Asia cooperation

Analysts describe the inclusion of Azerbaijan as a full participant in the Consultative Meetings format—a platform previously reserved for intra-regional dialogue among Central Asian states—as a unique development in geopolitical integration.

Close cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Central Asian countries has reached a new, supranational level, gaining significant geopolitical importance. Speaking at the 7th Consultative Meeting, the President of Uzbekistan called it “a historic day for the fraternal peoples” and a strategic step.

But what do experts from Uzbekistan think about this decision? What benefits do Azerbaijan and the countries of the “Central Asian Five” gain from the new format? Caliber.Az explores these questions with insights from an international relations analyst and an independent expert.

Historian and international relations expert Ranokhon Abdullaeva notes that it is highly significant that the expansion of the “Central Asian Five” to “Central Asia + Azerbaijan,” forming a full-fledged “six” format, was unanimously supported by all the heads of state. They also noted that this model will help further strengthen the region’s geopolitical and geoeconomic integration and establish a continuous mechanism for economic, social, and cultural cooperation.

“Azerbaijan holds an important geopolitical and geo-economic position in the South Caucasus. Strengthening strategic ties between the Central Asian states and Azerbaijan thus creates a new, high-quality bridge between them, unlike anything seen before. This will directly expand regional integration, turning the Central Asian and South Caucasus regions into even more crucial links between Europe and Asia. At the same time, this format opens up a range of new opportunities for the Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan,” she said.

The analyst noted that with Azerbaijan’s inclusion, the geographic and economic reach of the Central Asian format will expand, and the transport, transit, and logistics capacities of the member countries will grow, along with trade, economic, and investment opportunities.

“With Azerbaijan’s participation, Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries will establish new economic connections. For example, efficient use of transport corridors will increase transit revenues through Azerbaijan and make exporting goods more convenient. In addition, regarding security and stability, the Central Asian states are seeking to expand political dialogue and cooperation involving Baku.

The regional security, stability, and development concept adopted at the meeting, along with a catalogue of regional security risks and preventive measures for 2026–2028, will provide a foundation for developing joint strategies to address common threats. Such collaboration will create a stable political and economic environment in the region and expand opportunities for investment and development in Uzbekistan. Another important aspect is that this creates conditions for institutional and organisational development.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed the creation of a ‘Central Asian Community’ and supported its transformation into a unified strategic regional organisation. The establishment of bodies such as a Permanent Secretariat and a Council of Elders will institutionalise regional governance. Naturally, cultural, humanitarian, and diplomatic ties between our countries have also received an added boost and are expected to continue strengthening, but now in a much more intensive way,” the analyst emphasised.

According to her, the cultural, historical, and religious closeness among the participating states helps deepen mutual dialogue. This will allow them to jointly develop scientific, educational, and humanitarian projects in the region, such as preserving historical heritage, student exchange programs, and cultural events.

“I would like to highlight the aspect of environmental cooperation. Undoubtedly, the ‘six’ format expands opportunities for unity in sustainable development and environmental protection. Priority areas include the rational use of water resources and measures to combat climate change. With Azerbaijan’s participation, it will be possible to jointly fund and implement regional environmental projects, such as water resource management, water-saving technologies, and equitable water distribution.

Broad cooperation will also support the development of common strategies to ensure climate and water security in Central Asia and enable a coordinated response to regional environmental threats. The further development and expansion of this robust cooperation depends on the ability of all participants to reach consensus, create agreements that balance interests, and jointly implement promising projects,” said Abdullaeva.

Meanwhile, independent expert Oleg Golishnikov believes that Azerbaijan’s accession to the “Five” format brings several advantages.

“There is a clear drive from the Azerbaijani authorities to expand political dialogue with the Central Asian states, with which Baku cooperates both bilaterally and within multilateral structures, including the CIS, OIC, and OTS. In this sense, a strong Central Asia–Azerbaijan link allows the countries to stay closely engaged on key issues of cooperation and coordination of joint actions.

Perhaps most importantly, this move significantly expands cooperation between the Central Asian states and Azerbaijan in trade, investment, and transport-logistics sectors, including the development of the Middle Corridor. In this context, Baku’s participation in the Consultative Meetings enables it, together with the Central Asian countries, to address pressing issues promptly, not only in these sectors but also in the broader connectivity between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

In addition, Azerbaijan’s accession to the Consultative Meetings format somewhat compensates for the failed attempt to join the SCO as a full member. While joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation remains one of Baku’s main priorities, full participation in the Consultative Meetings opens new avenues for closer cooperation with the Central Asian states.

Regarding the interests of the Central Asian countries, Azerbaijan’s participation in the Consultative Meetings offers several advantages. First, Baku’s inclusion injects new momentum into the format and signals its openness to cooperation, which enhances its overall appeal. This format, already proposed to be called the “Central Asian Community,’ is expected to deliver tangible results for the benefit of the peoples and states of the region.

Second, closer ties with Azerbaijan allow the Central Asian countries to address practical issues related to diversifying their trade, economic, and investment potential. For the regional republics, Azerbaijan serves as a bridge not only to the South Caucasus but also to European markets. In this context, the Central Asian states, like Azerbaijan, are keen to develop international transport corridors, including the Middle Corridor. Overall, Baku’s participation in the Consultative Meetings is mutually beneficial and promising for both the Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan,” Golishnikov concluded.