Political scientist: Azerbaijan can play important role in water, energy sector development in Tajikistan

Azerbaijan, as one of the leading participants in the global hydrocarbon market, can play a significant role in the development of the water and energy sector both in Tajikistan and throughout Central Asia, Tajik political scientist, chairman of the National Fund “Silk Road-Way to Consolidation” Abdugani Mamadazimov, told Report.

He said that today it is time for Azerbaijan, which is the leader of the South Caucasus, to become more active in neighboring Central Asia, including Tajikistan.

“There are many areas for mutually beneficial and multifaceted cooperation between our countries,” the political scientist noted.

Mamadazimov added that in the period of transition from hydrocarbons to clean “green energy,” Azerbaijani investments in the construction of hydroelectric facilities in Tajikistan meet the interests of both sides.

The political scientist expressed hope that in the future Tajik electricity may reach European buyers through Azerbaijan.

“Azerbaijan, located at convenient crossroads of Eurasia, can also actively participate in the development of a feasibility study for the promising Dushanbe-Northern Pamir-Kashgar railway route and its construction, which will once and for all turn Azerbaijan into a transcontinental Eurasian hub,” the expert said.

According to Mamadazimov, Azerbaijan’s entry into the oil refining sector of Tajikistan also meets the interests of both countries.

The expert also touched upon the topic of humanitarian cooperation between the two countries:

“The basis for deepening promising Tajik-Azerbaijani relations is our common ‘soft power’ - a craving for great poetry and high literature, as well as a joint study of the history of creativity of our great thinkers of the past. The legacy of the great Silk Road and its study is also a promising area for cooperation between our scientists of the fraternal countries,” he concluded.

On April 6, the state visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Tajikistan ended. During the visit, 14 documents were signed between the countries.