Baku: Azerbaijan is increasingly recognized as a pivotal country at the crossroads of Eurasia, playing a significant role in regional connectivity and geopolitical dynamics.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the country’s strategic location and infrastructural capabilities have positioned it as a key player in various international trade corridors, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the Middle Corridor, which link Asia and Europe. Additionally, the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) underscores Azerbaijan’s importance in connecting the northern and southern regions, facilitating Central Asia’s access to Europe and Trkiye’s access to Asia.
The geopolitical relevance of Azerbaijan is further amplified by the sanctions on Russia and Iran, making it a crucial transit hub along the Russia-Caspian Sea-Iran route. Azerbaijan’s efficient infrastructure and lack of significant transportation challenges enhance its role in the INSTC, particularly as Iran faces limitations with Armenia and Georgia due to the absence of a railway connection. The increasing interest of European countries and the European Union in Central Asia for economic, energy, security, and geopolitical reasons highlights the importance of Azerbaijan as a connecting point, especially with the recent EU-Central Asia summit in April 2025.
Trkiye’s partnership with Azerbaijan, particularly within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), has been instrumental in fostering regional stability and security. The bond between the two nations, encapsulated by the motto ‘two states, one nation,’ has strengthened the OTS’s influence at both regional and global levels. Trkiye’s support during the Second Garabagh War helped Azerbaijan secure its territorial integrity, contributing to the region’s peace and stability. The subsequent normalization process with Armenia, including the Zangezur Corridor and talks between Turkish and Armenian leaders, reflects the commitment of Trkiye and Azerbaijan to regional cooperation and peace.
The establishment of a six-country regional cooperation platform after Azerbaijan’s victory in the 44-day war further underscores the commitment of Trkiye and Azerbaijan to resolving regional issues through peaceful means and preventing marginalization. The collaboration within the OTS, particularly along the Central Asia-Caucasus-Trkiye axis, contributes to global security by fostering a stable environment amidst global tensions. The interest shown by China and Europe in the region further validates the strategic contributions of the Turkic states.
For lasting peace in post-conflict zones like Garabagh, it is crucial for states to foster an environment of peace and stability, devoid of cooperation with terrorist organizations or groups promoting violence. Azerbaijan is making significant progress in this regard, although challenges remain with Armenia, where groups such as the Garabagh Clan, VOMA, and POGA pose threats to peace. The role of external actors, particularly Iran and Russia, in the region’s stability remains significant, with their potential to destabilize the region if not managed carefully. The policies of non-regional actors will play a crucial role in ensuring lasting peace in the Caucasus.