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Nazrin Abdul

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Today marked a historic milestone for Azerbaijan, as the country was officially admitted as a full-fledged member of the Central Asia Consultative Meetings. From now on, Azerbaijan joins the traditional five countries, transforming centuries-old brotherly ties and shared heritage into a framework of political, geopolitical, and geo-economic unity across the region. This landmark decision was witnessed in Tashkent, the capital of the brotherly nation of Uzbekistan, where President Ilham Aliyev has been on an official visit since yesterday. Unlike traditional visits, this one signaled a transition: Azerbaijan was no longer merely a guest but a full participant, intent on strengthening and institutionalizing regional ties.

Speaking at the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in the new "Central Asia + Azerbaijan" format, President Aliyev highlighted the vision of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, noting that it reflects a clear understanding of the necessity for closer cooperation between Azerbaijan and Central Asian states. This approach is timely and justified: countries with centuries-old shared values, common cultural and religious traditions, and mutual interests are increasingly working together to pursue common goals. Joint projects are being implemented on the principles of Islam, construction, tolerance, friendship, and brotherhood, further solidifying regional unity.

Azerbaijan’s inclusion in the Central Asia Consultative Meetings is more than symbolic; it represents a deepening of political, economic, and cultural linkages. As President Aliyev noted in his speech, this is the third time Azerbaijan has participated in Central Asian summits. In 2023, he attended at the invitation of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, and in 2024, at the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Over the past three years, Azerbaijan has hosted numerous reciprocal visits, with 14 high-level trips to Central Asia and 23 visits by regional leaders to Baku, cementing strategic partnerships and strengthening dialogue.

The country has signed treaties and declarations on alliances, strategic partnerships, and joint investment funds, while cultural diplomacy—through exhibitions, concerts, and national culture days—has reinforced societal and people-to-people connections. These developments demonstrate that Azerbaijan and Central Asia are gradually forming a single geopolitical and geo-economic region, whose significance is increasingly recognized on the global stage.

Azerbaijan’s integration into the regional framework comes amid significant infrastructure and trade projects that enhance connectivity. The Middle Corridor—linking Central Asia with international markets through Azerbaijan—has seen cargo volumes rise by 90% over the past three years, with transit times substantially reduced. Key projects such as the Alat International Port, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the Zangazur Corridor, and nine international airports have positioned Azerbaijan as a strategic transport hub. Plans to link Azerbaijan’s mainland with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, alongside digital initiatives like the Digital Silk Road and Caspian subsea fiber-optic and electricity networks, further strengthen its regional role.

Beyond economics, Azerbaijan’s accession reflects deep humanitarian and cultural cooperation with Central Asian countries. President Aliyev highlighted the support from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan in establishing schools, creativity centers, and mosques in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, demonstrating enduring solidarity and brotherhood. These initiatives not only provide tangible benefits for local communities but also symbolize a long-term commitment to regional unity and mutual development.

At this historic moment, the leaders of Central Asian countries shared their perspectives on Azerbaijan’s full accession to the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the significance of Azerbaijan’s inclusion: "With Azerbaijan’s admission, the regional cooperation format expands from the traditional ‘Central Asian Five’ to a ‘Central Asian Six.’ This step reflects Azerbaijan’s growing engagement with Central Asia and is expected to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties across the region."

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed confidence in Azerbaijan’s contributions as a full member: "Today we made a historic decision on the accession of Azerbaijan to our format as a full-fledged participant," he stated at the 7th Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia in the "Central Asia + Azerbaijan" format. "In its new capacity, Azerbaijan will play a substantial role in deepening regional cooperation."

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov highlighted the opportunities arising from this expansion: "The Kyrgyz Republic supports the initiative for Azerbaijan to join our consultative meetings format as a full member. Expanding our format with fraternal Azerbaijan will open new horizons for cooperation in Central Asia, particularly in international transit, logistics, and energy," he noted. "Today, we can confidently say that the consultative meetings format of the Central Asian heads of state has proven successful. It has demonstrated its viability and become a unique platform where not only existing regional challenges are addressed, but new initiatives and proposals are actively developed."

From a strategic standpoint, Azerbaijan’s elevation to full membership enables it to actively shape regional policies, align infrastructure and digital initiatives with Central Asian partners, and enhance its influence in international forums. It also reinforces the collective regional capacity to address economic, energy, and connectivity challenges. By bridging the South Caucasus and Central Asia, Azerbaijan strengthens a corridor of stability, economic growth, and political coordination stretching from the Caspian to Central Asia.

Azerbaijan’s accession to the Central Asia Consultative Meetings marks a turning point in regional cooperation. It underscores the country’s commitment to strategic partnerships, deepens regional integration, and positions Azerbaijan as a central actor in shaping the future of Central Asia. The event in Tashkent is not only a diplomatic milestone but also a concrete step toward enhanced economic connectivity, cultural exchange, and geopolitical significance for Azerbaijan and its Central Asian partners.