The evolving dynamics in the economic, political, transportation, and energy spheres underscore the urgent need for establishing a unified platform of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Central Asia, according to Javid Valiyev, head of the department at the Center for Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center).
"Global processes dictate the necessity of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries. President Ilham Aliyev has also noted that our goal is to create a common platform with Central Asia, as the events unfolding in this region directly impact Azerbaijan's security," Valiyev told Report's Kazakhstan bureau.
Among the most significant projects, Valiyev highlighted the Middle Corridor initiative, along with collaboration in the energy sector and other areas. Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries are already cooperating within the joint "5+1" platform, with the Organization of Turkic States serving as another prime example of this partnership.
Valiyev believes that such platforms will enable the parties to engage in more frequent discussions, hold meetings, and seek common solutions. He also expressed the opinion that Kazakhstan could serve as a suitable venue for bilateral meetings between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
"Azerbaijan views bilateral meetings on various platforms positively, and Kazakhstan could be one of them. This was noted by the President of Kazakhstan during his visits to Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the foreign ministers subsequently met in Kazakhstan following these visits," Valiyev added.
Kazakhstan, according to Valiyev, can play a positive role in agreements between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as one of the most discussed issues between these countries today is the opening of a transport corridor, which is of great interest to Kazakhstan. "It's about the Middle Corridor. This is in the interests of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, and both countries have done very serious work in this direction in recent years. If Armenia makes peace with Azerbaijan, it can become part of this route, and this will promote lasting peace in the region," he concluded.