Azerbaijan's Strategy in the South Caucasus
Azerbaijan is actively working to reduce Russia's footprint in the South Caucasus, pursuing a multi-pronged approach that includes hosting the 4th Global Media Forum in Shusha, deepening economic and political ties with the United States, advancing the Middle Corridor initiative, and expanding its role in UN and NATO peacekeeping missions.
The 4th Global Media Forum in Shusha
The 4th Global Media Forum, held in the city of Shusha, brought together around 160 delegates from 54 countries. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev addressed the forum, stating that
“it is impossible to defeat a people striving for independence and the preservation of their own identity.” - Ilham Aliyev
He also emphasized that 'war must cease, and internationally recognized borders of states cannot be altered through force or without the will of the people of the respective country.'
As part of deepening cooperation with the United States, Azerbaijan's Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov met with a U.S. delegation led by Senator Steve Daines. The discussions covered opportunities for collaboration in various areas, including:
- trade
- investment
- energy
- artificial intelligence
- digital economy
- extraction and processing of critical minerals
- industrial cooperation
Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO). Meanwhile, Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov confirmed that the country is exploring participation in UN and NATO peacekeeping operations. Notably, since 1999, over three thousand Azerbaijani Armed Forces personnel have taken part in international peacekeeping missions, including in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Currently, an Azerbaijani peacekeeping contingent is deployed in South Sudan.
The forum also addressed the development of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, modernization of the Baku International Sea Trade Port, and expansion of the Alat Free Economic Zone. These projects are designed to strengthen economic ties and integrate Azerbaijan into global transport routes, particularly under the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route).
Reducing Russian influence in the South Caucasus is a key strategic priority for Azerbaijan. By deepening ties with the United States and taking part in international peacekeeping missions, the country is signaling its ambition to play a more active role on the global stage. These efforts also support economic growth and regional security, which could contribute to greater stability in the area.
As Azerbaijan seeks to assert its influence in the region, it is worth noting how other countries, like Kazakhstan, navigate their relationships with powerful entities. For example, Kazakhstan recently made headlines by choosing not to enforce a significant court ruling against Gazprom, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the post-Soviet space. To learn more about Kazakhstan's decision and its implications, read this insightful article on the matter here.