From “C5” to “C6”: Azerbaijan Expands Its Role in Regional Integration
Economy
The transition from the “C5” to the “C6” format reflects Azerbaijan’s expanding regional role and closer ties between the South Caucasus and Central Asia. This was stated by Parvana Valiyeva, a member of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis, in comments to Oxu.Az.
According to Valiyeva, Baku increasingly views its relations with Central Asia not only through bilateral ties but also as part of a broader framework of economic, transport and energy integration. Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan relations are a key element of this process and, in her assessment, have evolved in recent years from strategic partnership to allied relations.
Economic cooperation remains a major priority. Bilateral trade between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan more than tripled in 2025, reaching $795 million. Valiyeva said expanding investment, establishing joint ventures and implementing new projects could contribute to the development of new production and investment chains.
Transport is another major area of cooperation. The integration of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway with the Middle Corridor could reshape regional transport connectivity, she said. The “Green Corridor” initiative involving Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also offers long-term opportunities, including the potential transmission of renewable energy across the Caspian Sea seabed.
Valiyeva also highlighted cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States, which Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan view as a platform for broader political and economic integration.
Civil society is becoming another component of bilateral cooperation. In 2026, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan jointly launched a grant competition for non-governmental organizations.
According to the lawmaker, these developments are strengthening economic and political links between Central Asia and the South Caucasus and expanding the scope of regional cooperation.
Economic cooperation remains a major priority. Bilateral trade between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan more than tripled in 2025, reaching $795 million. Valiyeva said expanding investment, establishing joint ventures and implementing new projects could contribute to the development of new production and investment chains.
Transport is another major area of cooperation. The integration of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway with the Middle Corridor could reshape regional transport connectivity, she said. The “Green Corridor” initiative involving Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also offers long-term opportunities, including the potential transmission of renewable energy across the Caspian Sea seabed.
Valiyeva also highlighted cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States, which Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan view as a platform for broader political and economic integration.
Civil society is becoming another component of bilateral cooperation. In 2026, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan jointly launched a grant competition for non-governmental organizations.
According to the lawmaker, these developments are strengthening economic and political links between Central Asia and the South Caucasus and expanding the scope of regional cooperation.
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