In the modern era, the rapid changes occurring in the global and regional relations system are further increasing the importance of multilateral cooperation between states. Integration processes in various regions are deepening and are accompanied by new qualitative changes.
Deepening political dialogue, expanding economic integration, and strengthening mutual cooperation in the field of security among countries that share common roots, language, religion, history, and cultural and civilizational values act as one of the main conditions for regional stability and sustainable development.
In this regard, the rapprochement observed in recent years between Azerbaijan and the Central Asian states is considered an important factor that determines not only the development of bilateral relations but also the formation of new cooperation platforms in the Eurasian space as a whole.
The adoption of the historic decision on Azerbaijan’s full-fledged participation in this platform at the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia held in Tashkent on November 16, 2025, and Azerbaijan’s full-fledged participation in this format is a clear indicator of our country’s acceptance as an integral partner of the region. This demonstrates that Azerbaijan’s cooperation with Central Asian states has entered a new stage and that the country plays an important role in making regional decisions. Thus, the President of Azerbaijan, who attended the Consultative meetings as an honorary guest until the historic decision made in Uzbekistan last year, now participates as a full member in this six-nation format.
As stated by President Ilham Aliyev, who participated in the informal meeting of the Heads of State of Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, on July 31, this meeting is of great importance, and Azerbaijan aims to be an active member of the consultative format. Azerbaijan will spare no effort to further develop cooperation on this platform and to bring our countries and peoples closer together.
The messages delivered in the speeches of other leaders participating in the meeting once again confirm that this event is a useful strategic platform and an institutional establishment in terms of fulfilling the target principles of the modern agenda and defining new priorities among brotherly countries.
The Cholpon-Ata Declaration, signed at the conclusion of the meeting, can be assessed as an important political document that reflects the common political will of the parties, defines the priority directions of cooperation, and establishes the basic principles of future mutual activity.
The main provisions of the Declaration act as an important political document reflecting the current level of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Central Asian states and the directions for future development. It is of special political importance that the document reaffirms commitment to the fundamental principles of international law—sovereign equality, respect for the independence of states, territorial integrity, inviolability of state borders, and non-interference in internal affairs.
Taking joint steps for the development of regional cooperation and ensuring joint successes in economic, investment, energy, transport, financial, and other fields have been identified as one of the main goals. In this regard, by defining a new geoeconomic roadmap for trade, investment, and transport-logistics cooperation, the Declaration opens additional opportunities for regional communication and digital solidarity.
Currently, the transport-logistics sector, which further integrates economic cooperation, is also developing rapidly. The parties are actively participating in cargo transportation along the “East-West” and Trans-Caspian International Transport Routes (Middle Corridor) and the “China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Europe” multimodal route. In particular, a new stage is opening in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which covers a vast geography. Azerbaijan, which has a favorable position and special status in this corridor, will see its role as one of the main transit countries connecting Europe and Asia further strengthened. The opening of the Zangezur corridor will further expand the access opportunities of these regional countries to Turkey and Europe.
Prioritizing cooperation in the energy sector, which is defined as one of the main priorities in the Declaration, especially the transition to “green energy,” will further increase the importance of the Central Asia-Caspian region in the global energy sector. These principles, which are in line with Azerbaijan’s modern energy agenda and reflect its strategic interests, will also play a contributing role in strengthening global solidarity in the field of renewable energy.
This will also strengthen the unity of Azerbaijan, which is the energy gateway of the Caspian Sea to the West, and the Central Asian states with rich energy potential in unified transport systems, thereby strengthening the flow of energy carriers in the East-West direction, including the resource profitability of the Southern Gas Corridor.
As a result, solid infrastructure will also be created for the transport of gas exports from Central Asian countries to Europe. This will increase the superior position and transport sustainability of the Central Asian region, including Azerbaijan, in strengthening energy security in the global environment and implementing mutually beneficial projects.
Ramid Namazov
Milli Məclisin deputatı