Farid Shafiyev:, Azerbaijan functions as a key gateway connecting Central Asia to European and global markets

“, Azerbaijan functions as a key gateway connecting Central Asia to European and global markets. Azerbaijan’s admission to the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia marks an important turning point. For the first time, a country from the South Caucasus has become a full member of a framework that previously included only Central Asian states. This step strengthens Azerbaijan’s role in the regional architecture and opens new opportunities for structured cooperation,” said Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the Center of Analysis of International Relations, during his speech at the “Gulf–Central Asia Think Tank Online Forum,” organized by the Gulf Research Center in partnership with the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

According to him, initiatives such as the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP), also known as the Zangezur Corridor, could create additional connectivity across the region, further strengthening the resilience and diversification of East–West links.

“Connectivity remains one of the key pillars of the C6 agenda. This includes infrastructure development, digitalization, and the removal of existing barriers. As noted by President Ilham Aliyev, Central Asia and Azerbaijan already constitute a ‘single geopolitical and geoeconomic region.’ This idea reflects not only a political vision but also an emerging logistical and economic reality.

The external dimension of the format is further strengthened by Azerbaijan’s participation in this process. The C6 countries are now better positioned to engage more actively with major international partners such as the European Union, the United States, Türkiye, China, and others involved in connectivity initiatives across Eurasia.

Looking ahead, the concept of the C6+1 format is gaining increasing relevance. Such a framework could create mutual benefits for all participants.

For Central Asia, this would help more closely link diplomatic dialogue with physical infrastructure, support the diversification of export routes, and reduce dependence on limited transit options,” Shafiyev added.