First, Baku is solidifying its position in countries that serve as vital resource hubs for the planet. A fierce competition for influence in these regions—nations just stepping into the realm of large-scale globalization—is already underway.
These regions are typically dominated by the so-called “first-tier powers”—the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and others. The “First World” entered these areas as heirs of the colonial era, introducing new frameworks for joint resource exploitation. Similarly, China operates within this paradigm, as does Russia, attempting to regain influence in these regions by leveraging remnants of its “Soviet internationalism” traditions.
Is there room in this cohort for “mid-tier powers” like Azerbaijan? It seems there is.
Countries like Azerbaijan pursue mutually beneficial strategies of interaction without employing economic “traps” such as long-term loans, as China does, or missionary strategies for systemic socio-political changes, which are often promoted by the U.S. and Western nations.
It is important to note that Azerbaijan is seen by its partners in the developing world as a kindred nation, also under the influence of “first-tier powers.” Baku’s solidarity with the “global majority” has been instrumental in successfully moderating the agenda of the Non-Aligned Movement during Azerbaijan’s chairmanship.
Should Baku strengthen its position within the “global majority” group—through the BRICS coalition and the Non-Aligned Movement—it will create the necessary foundation for Azerbaijan’s future economic projects in these regions. This was essentially the purpose of Ilham Aliyev’s meetings with leaders of the “majority group” during COP29.
This strategy is particularly evident in Azerbaijan’s interactions with African nations.
Notably, Azerbaijan’s trade turnover with countries on the “Black Continent” has increased fivefold over the past year, reaching $248 million from January to July 2024. Behind this modest figure lie significant opportunities.
At this stage, this result was achieved primarily through increased exports of Azerbaijani hydrocarbons to Tunisia. Over the past seven months, 256,400 tons of oil and oil products were delivered to this Arab country. Consequently, Tunisia has become Azerbaijan’s main trading partner in North Africa.
In April of this year, Azerbaijan signed an agreement with Congo to improve and expand the Congolaise de Raffinage oil refinery. Cooperation with Egypt and Algeria—key countries of Mediterranean Africa—is also being enhanced.
Ilgar Huseynov
Translated from haqqin.az
