Turkish expert: February 2026 marked a strategic turning point for the South Caucasus

February 2026 is being described as a critical turning point for the South Caucasus and the broader Eurasian region.

This assessment was shared by Turkish political expert Mehmet Emir Aksoy in comments to The Daily Baku.

According to Aksoy, two major strategic steps taken by the United States within a short period signal a qualitatively new phase in Washington’s regional policy. He noted that the establishment of a cooperation framework with Israel focused on advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, followed by the signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Charter with Azerbaijan, demonstrates the U.S. shift toward a more integrated and multidimensional regional strategy.

The expert emphasized that while each decision is significant on its own, taken together they clearly reflect Washington’s intention to reshape the strategic balance across Eurasia and the Middle East. In his view, Azerbaijan stands at the center of this emerging strategic architecture, distinguished by its stable political governance, consistent foreign policy, and steadily expanding state capacity.

Aksoy stressed that the Strategic Partnership Charter signed with Baku confirms that Azerbaijan has moved beyond the traditional role of an energy supplier. The document highlights the country’s transformation into a regional hub that integrates energy corridors, transport networks, logistics chains, and digital infrastructure. He added that the emphasis on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor underscores growing international recognition of Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in Eurasian connectivity.

Recalling long-standing priorities, the expert noted that President Ilham Aliyev has for many years promoted connectivity and a multi-vector foreign policy as the core pillars of Azerbaijan’s strategic vision. According to Aksoy, this approach is now viewed not merely as a regional preference but as a strategic necessity acknowledged by global powers. The inclusion of uninterrupted connectivity between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan in internationally supported projects is cited as a clear practical outcome of this vision.

Aksoy also pointed out that the agreement’s focus on forward-looking areas such as artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, data centers, and critical minerals, alongside energy security and trade, reflects Azerbaijan’s determination to move beyond conventional energy diplomacy. He noted that U.S. recognition of Azerbaijan as a strategic partner in these sectors confirms Baku’s growing weight within the international system.

In addition, the expert said that the parallel development of U.S.–Israel cooperation in advanced technologies and artificial intelligence complements this broader strategic framework. While Israel acts as a leading innovation and technology partner, Azerbaijan’s role as a connectivity, energy, and logistics anchor reinforces these strategic lines. This, he argued, demonstrates Washington’s preference for building regional strategy through interconnected and functional axes rather than isolated security arrangements.

In conclusion, Aksoy stated that the strategic steps taken in February 2026 provide strong international validation of the balanced, multidimensional, and forward-looking foreign policy pursued under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. In this context, Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its position as one of the key pillars of stability and cooperation in the South Caucasus.