Javid Valiyev: Azerbaijan is establishing itself as a geography of cooperation, not confrontation

Azerbaijan’s geographical position has in recent years become one of the key factors enhancing its role in regional processes.

This was stated by Javid Valiyev in a comment to “The Daily Baku”.

According to him, since the first day of its independence, Azerbaijan has demonstrated a principled stance regarding how its strategic location should be utilized:

“Azerbaijan has always declared that this geography is not a space for confrontation, nor a platform to be used against neighbors, but rather a geography of cooperation. This principle continues to be reflected in practical policy today.”

The expert noted that recent developments, particularly the transportation of humanitarian cargo and the expansion of regional transit opportunities, clearly demonstrate the tangible results of this policy:

“Humanitarian aid sent to Iran, cargo delivered from Russia to Iran via Azerbaijan, as well as the use of Azerbaijan’s transit capabilities for the evacuation of citizens from various countries, show that the country is not only presenting itself as a platform for cooperation but is actively implementing this role.”

Javid Valiyev emphasized that Azerbaijan’s long-term strategic course has transformed it into one of the region’s key transport and logistics hubs:

“Azerbaijan is an important transportation hub along the East–West and North–South axes. Significant investments have been made over the years, including the construction of railways and highways. Today, Azerbaijan’s role is clearly visible within both the Middle Corridor and the North–South Transport Corridor.”

In his view, particularly within the framework of the North–South transport corridor, Azerbaijan plays a unifying role both geographically and politically:

“Azerbaijan, together with Russia, Iran, and other partners, is one of the main nodal points of this corridor. This is not only a geographical advantage but also requires political will and a strategic approach, both of which Azerbaijan demonstrates.”

The expert added that the recent increase in transit and cooperation processes in the region further strengthens Azerbaijan’s growing strategic importance:

“The delivery of cargo from Kazakhstan and Russia to Armenia via Azerbaijan, the emergence of new logistical opportunities in the context of normalization with Armenia, and the overall increase in activity within the Middle Corridor all indicate that Azerbaijan is successfully fulfilling this role not only economically but also politically.”

In conclusion, Javid Valiyev noted that once stability is fully ensured in the region, Azerbaijan’s current position will yield even greater dividends:

“The image of a reliable partner that Azerbaijan has demonstrated during the most complex and risky periods will bring greater economic, political, and strategic advantages in the future. This is the result of a long-term and well-considered policy.”