A clear example of this can be seen in the relationship between Azerbaijan and the Central Asian states, which are now reaching the level of strategic partnership.
Recently, another Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State took place, with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev participating. In an interview with AZERTAC, Erlan Sairov, a member of the Mazhilis (lower house) of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, commented on the outcomes of this meeting, the prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries, and key areas of their interaction.
What role, in your opinion, did President Aliyev’s participation play in the meeting of Central Asian heads of state?
Azerbaijan, like the Central Asian countries, is part of the Turkic world. We all represent a unified spiritual, linguistic, and cultural space. Over the past 5-6 years, against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical tension, as well as turbulent economic and social processes globally, there has been a need for the consolidation of countries with shared historical roots. In this context, Azerbaijan’s participation in the Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State is of particular importance. It demonstrates our commitment to further integration and unity.
What outcomes of the meeting do you think are most significant for Azerbaijan and Central Asia as a whole?
Recently, leaders from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan have frequently met to discuss global politics and regional integration among our friendly and related states. These meetings yield tangible results, promoting closer integration in economic, social, and other areas. As a result, the Turkic world countries gain opportunities to participate in major international projects. Each such meeting not only energizes the participants but also leads to concrete achievements, particularly in creating a unified transport hub. These summits play a key role in developing cooperation among our states.
President Ilham Aliyev noted at the meeting that increasing global threats and challenges necessitate stronger cooperation between our countries in defense and security. How would you comment on this?
For Azerbaijan, Central Asian countries are of paramount importance. Related peoples not only trust each other but can also offer mutually beneficial economic, financial, and other cooperation conditions. In conditions of global instability, forming a common security system becomes particularly important. Regular meetings of leaders play a crucial role in developing both economic integration and a unified security system, which are closely interconnected.
Thus, the agenda of these meetings should extend beyond discussing economic and cultural issues. The main task is to create a comprehensive security system for all Turkic world countries.
What can you say about cooperation in the transport and transit sector between Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries?
Azerbaijan is a unique transport hub for delivering goods and services from Central Asia to Europe, as well as to the Near and Middle East. Today, transport issues are a key priority to ensure that Kazakh oil and other goods and services from Central Asian countries can pass through Azerbaijan’s transport hubs. We need integration systems in digitalization, industry, oil processing, and so on. All these issues will be addressed in the future, enhancing the economic power of all our countries.
Elshan Rustamov
Translated from AZERTAC
