Azerbaijan Strengthens Central Asian Ties and Sets Regional Integration Priorities
Economy
Azerbaijan is expanding cooperation with Central Asian countries, focusing on trade, investment, transport and energy. Baku has also reaffirmed its intention to cooperate within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and is considering prospects for future engagement with Armenia. The points were made by Milli Majlis members Sabina Salmanova and Aydin Mirzazade in comments to Oxu.Az.
According to Salmanova, President Ilham Aliyev’s participation in the Eighth Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, held on October 8 in Turkmenbashi, underscored the strategic importance of relations with the region. She said high-level political contacts and reciprocal visits have been accompanied by expanding economic ties.
Figures cited by the lawmaker show that Azerbaijan’s trade turnover with Central Asian countries increased by more than 50% last year. More than 400 companies with Central Asian capital operate in Azerbaijan. Salmanova also highlighted transport and logistics, saying that transit routes across the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan’s transport infrastructure and the development of the Middle Corridor are expanding regional countries’ access to global markets.
Other areas with potential for cooperation include energy transportation, energy security, digital communications, industry and trade. Salmanova said continued progress would rely on political dialogue, mutual investment and joint projects.
A separate priority for Baku is its participation in the CIS. Lawmaker Aydin Mirzazade said Azerbaijan would continue working within international organizations in areas that do not threaten its sovereignty or national interests.
Addressing relations with Armenia, Mirzazade said a peace agreement had been initialled, but Baku required Armenia to remove territorial claims against Azerbaijan from its Constitution before the document could be formally signed. He added that cargo was already being transported to Armenia through Azerbaijani territory and that Azerbaijan was supplying it with fuel. According to the lawmaker, good-neighbourly relations could develop if Armenia takes further steps.
Mirzazade also supported the idea of building a “common Caucasian home” as a foundation for peace and stability. He said comprehensive cooperation with Armenia could be pursued both bilaterally and through international organizations.
On the future of the CIS, Mirzazade noted that the organization’s continued existence would depend on its ability to respond to the current needs of its member states. He added that Azerbaijan would continue to participate actively while safeguarding its national priorities.
Figures cited by the lawmaker show that Azerbaijan’s trade turnover with Central Asian countries increased by more than 50% last year. More than 400 companies with Central Asian capital operate in Azerbaijan. Salmanova also highlighted transport and logistics, saying that transit routes across the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan’s transport infrastructure and the development of the Middle Corridor are expanding regional countries’ access to global markets.
Other areas with potential for cooperation include energy transportation, energy security, digital communications, industry and trade. Salmanova said continued progress would rely on political dialogue, mutual investment and joint projects.
A separate priority for Baku is its participation in the CIS. Lawmaker Aydin Mirzazade said Azerbaijan would continue working within international organizations in areas that do not threaten its sovereignty or national interests.
Addressing relations with Armenia, Mirzazade said a peace agreement had been initialled, but Baku required Armenia to remove territorial claims against Azerbaijan from its Constitution before the document could be formally signed. He added that cargo was already being transported to Armenia through Azerbaijani territory and that Azerbaijan was supplying it with fuel. According to the lawmaker, good-neighbourly relations could develop if Armenia takes further steps.
Mirzazade also supported the idea of building a “common Caucasian home” as a foundation for peace and stability. He said comprehensive cooperation with Armenia could be pursued both bilaterally and through international organizations.
On the future of the CIS, Mirzazade noted that the organization’s continued existence would depend on its ability to respond to the current needs of its member states. He added that Azerbaijan would continue to participate actively while safeguarding its national priorities.
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