MP: Azerbaijan has become middle power

In 2024, the economy of the Turkic states grew by 5.4%, significantly exceeding the global economic growth of 3.2%, Azerbaijani Milli Majlis member Vugar Bayramov said at the plenary session of the parliament on Friday.

Bayramov noted that the Turkic states have a 1.8% share in the global economy with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.11 trillion. In addition, the total trade turnover of the Turkic states last year amounted to $1.17 trillion, which is 3.5% of the global trade turnover.

"Azerbaijan makes a special contribution to the strengthening of strategic cooperation and integration among the Turkic states. Despite the political cataclysms observed in the region during the formation of the new world order, the policy implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev has not only further strengthened Azerbaijan's geopolitical position but also transformed our country into a middle power. Multi-vector foreign policy has simultaneously strengthened Azerbaijan's partnership with the West and the East, further increasing its role in protecting regional security," MP said.

According to Bayramov, Azerbaijan, which contributes to energy security, is strengthening energy cooperation with partner countries: "In 2024, the volume of Azerbaijan's natural gas exports to Europe increased by 8.6% to 12.9 billion cubic meters. Last year, 50.3 billion cubic meters of natural gas were produced in our country. Compared to 2023, production increased by 2 billion cubic meters. This means more export opportunities for our country. Currently, Azerbaijan is transporting natural gas to 12 countries. On the one hand, this increases state revenues, and on the other hand, it further boosts Azerbaijan's role in strengthening the regional energy security. This also means new opportunities for cooperation with partner countries, including Central and Eastern Europe.