Azerbaijan was officially admitted as a full participant of the Central Asian Heads of State Consultative Meeting, marking a major geopolitical development that further anchors Baku in the region’s political and economic architecture.
The decision was announced in the final declaration of the 7th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian leaders held in Tashkent, where President Ilham Aliyev took part at the invitation of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
According to the declaration, the countries “welcome the full-fledged participation of the Republic of Azerbaijan” in the regional platform, noting strong ties, mutual interests, and growing strategic cooperation.
Aliyev: Azerbaijan and Central Asia Now Form a Single Geo-Economic Region
In his address, President Aliyev expressed deep gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for the invitation and Uzbek hospitality, praising Uzbekistan’s rapid modernization, international standing, and successful reforms.
Aliyev emphasized that relations between Azerbaijan and Central Asian states are built on centuries-old cultural and spiritual ties and have now reached the level of strategic partnership and alliance.
He recalled that over the past three years, he visited Central Asian countries 14 times, while regional leaders traveled to Azerbaijan 23 times – illustrating unprecedented diplomatic momentum.
“Although Azerbaijan is geographically located in the South Caucasus, we have become a single geopolitical and geo-economic region with Central Asia,” Aliyev said, stressing growing coordination in international organizations and common approaches to global and regional challenges.
Support for Karabakh Reconstruction
Aliyev thanked Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan for supporting Azerbaijan’s post-war reconstruction efforts.
He highlighted new schools and cultural centers built in Fuzuli and Aghdam by Central Asian partners, calling them “symbols of brotherhood.”
Middle Corridor: 90% Growth in Three Years
The Azerbaijani leader placed special emphasis on the Middle Corridor, describing it as a strategic priority for all regional states. He outlined major achievements:
Cargo volumes through Azerbaijan grew by 90% in three years
Travel time along the Corridor has significantly decreased
Alat Port’s capacity will reach 25 million tonnes annually
Azerbaijan now operates 9 international airports and the region’s largest cargo airline
Aliyev said the soon-to-be-completed Zangezur Corridor would become a key artery of the Middle Corridor, with an initial capacity of 15 million tonnes.
Digital Silk Road and Green Energy Links
The president also highlighted new cross-regional initiatives:
A Caspian submarine fiber-optic cable, part of the Digital Silk Road
A Caspian seabed power cable, enabling joint export of electricity to global markets
Aliyev: Azerbaijan’s Inclusion Confirms the Spirit of Brotherhood
Aliyev welcomed the summit’s decision to include Azerbaijan as a full member, calling it a “clear confirmation of the friendly and brotherly nature of our relations.”
He concluded by congratulating Turkmenistan on assuming the chairmanship of the format.
