by Khalid Taimur Akram

The role of Azerbaijan in the development of the South Caucasus region has been pivotal, marked by a consistent, robust foreign policy aimed at achieving peace, progress, and stability. Azerbaijan's proactive engagement in humanitarian efforts, offering transport routes to neighbours, financial support, and aid to conflict-affected populations for rehabilitation and reconstruction, has contributed to cooperation and stability at the local, regional, and international levels. Azerbaijan has played an important role in facilitating peace and moving towards a shared future. Under President Ilham Aliyev's leadership, Azerbaijan has emerged as a driving force for regional peace and progress, consistently striving to foster cooperative growth for the betterment of all.

Azerbaijan has consistently shown its commitment to enduring peace and a genuine interest in fostering sustainable development throughout the region. Through various peace offers to Armenia, Azerbaijan has actively worked to avert crises and address root conflicts to reduce hostility and violence. These efforts have played a pivotal role in cultivating peace within the South Caucasus region.

The liberation of Azerbaijani territories from the occupation of Armenia has transformed the geopolitical landscape, bringing new prospects for regional cooperation. Azerbaijani leadership is opening avenues for enhancing economic growth and investment, encouraging closer ties among nations.

Azerbaijan's unwavering dedication to cooperation is evident in its persistent endeavours to extend olive branches to Armenia. However, Armenia's hesitation to embrace every peace initiative has hindered the advancement of regional stability and progress.

Role in Development:

Azerbaijan's active participation on a global scale in energy, and communication projects, such as the Zangezur project, and various oil & gas pipelines, underscores its commitment to the South Caucasus region's prosperity and socioeconomic advancement. Functional international airports such as Fuzuli and Zangilan, along with the ongoing construction of Lachin Airport, signify Azerbaijan's commitment to regional connectivity and maintaining the stability and progress of the Caucasus. Azerbaijan is also a key player in boosting transportation connectivity and trade through regional projects like transportation link Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, which hold great potential for trade, investment, and stability.

Azerbaijan is facilitating the Zangezur Corridor, a significant initiative that will foster economic and business connections among neighbouring countries and stimulate progress in south Caucasus regional development. As an additional route in international transport networks, it strengthens the economic standing of the South Caucasus.

Additionally, Azerbaijan's involvement in energy supply expansion to Europe and its engagement in key connectivity initiatives (the Middle Corridor) position Baku as a central player. Through projects like the Southern Gas Corridor and Trans Adriatic Pipeline, Azerbaijan is poised to become a hub for vital energy resource transportation in the region and beyond, enhance energy export security, and bolster both regional and national economic development and trade.

The role of Azerbaijan in fostering peace and development within the South Caucasus region is truly commendable. Through its consistent pursuit of lasting peace, proactive engagement in humanitarian efforts, and dedication to cooperative ventures, Azerbaijan has emerged as a key driver of positive development. The olive branch to neighbouring Armenia, the establishment of vital transport corridors, and the commitment to international norms demonstrate Azerbaijan's commitment to stability and prosperity.

 President Ilham Aliyev's visionary leadership further amplifies the nation's role in advancing peace, justice, and progress in the region. The collective efforts of Azerbaijan have not only transformed the geopolitical landscape but have also laid the foundation for a brighter future characterized by connectivity, growth, and harmonious relations in the South Caucasus

Khalid Taimur Akram is an Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad.

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