Azerbaijan’s geostrategic position in the South Caucasus, coupled with its economic potential and historical and cultural affiliations with other Turkic states, underscores its pivotal role within the region and the framework of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Situated at the nexus of Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan’s proximity to significant energy producers and consumers has established it as a vital transit corridor for energy resources. This strategic positioning has not only reinforced Azerbaijan’s centrality in regional energy security but also facilitated avenues for collaboration and partnerships with neighboring states. In addition to its prominence in the energy sector, Azerbaijan has pursued economic diversification, fostering expertise in fields such as advanced technology, transportation, and tourism. These efforts have expanded the scope for economic cooperation and attracted investments among OTS member states, with particular emphasis on advancing trade and infrastructure development. Such initiatives exemplify Azerbaijan’s multifaceted approach to leveraging its geographic, economic, and diplomatic strengths to enhance regional integration and collaboration.

Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the geopolitical landscape of the region has undergone significant shifts, reshaping strategic alliances, economic partnerships, and security dynamics. In this regard, Baku has adopted a proactive diplomatic approach to strengthen dialogue and regional interconnectedness with Central Asian countries. The Azerbaijani leadership has notably enhanced its engagement through direct, high-level interactions and the utilization of region-specific diplomatic frameworks. A pertinent example of this strategy is the series of official trips undertaken by incumbent President Ilham Aliyev to Uzbekistan in June and September 2022, followed by a visit to Kyrgyzstan in October of the same year. Against this backdrop, Aliyev’s latest state visit to Tashkent in August 2024 marked an unprecedented level in Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan bonds with respect to mutually beneficial geopolitical and economic alignment.

Therefore, these tangible steps have contributed to fostering closer ties between Azerbaijan and its Central Asian counterparts in regional affairs. During these high-level engagements, several significant agreements were formalized to advance bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including defense, transportation, agriculture, and trade. Among these, the Declaration on Deepening the Strategic Partnership and Building Up Comprehensive Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan (2022) stands out as a landmark agreement, aimed at strengthening allied relations and promoting long term collaboration across multiple domains. These systemic developments underscore Azerbaijan’s commitment to enhancing its role as a catalyst for regional cohesion and integration at all levels.

Furthermore, the official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Astana in April 2023, marked a significant milestone in Azerbaijan’s diplomatic efforts, during which a joint statement and protocol were signed to establish a Supreme Interstate Council. Strengthening political and economic ties with Kazakhstan, a key Central Asian state, has increasingly become essential for Azerbaijan in various respects. The agreements reached during this high-level meeting encompassed a broad range of cooperation areas, with a particular emphasis on improving connectivity along the Middle Corridor as part of Azerbaijan’s broader export diversification strategy. In the context of Azerbaijan-Central Asia relations, Baku’s active and pragmatic foreign policy, along with its growing engagement with regional partners, plays a crucial role in the successful realization of interconnectivity initiatives. As the sole Turkic nation with direct geographical access to both Anatolia and Central Asia, Azerbaijan occupies a unique position in facilitating the realization of these interregional projects.

Azerbaijan has demonstrated a sustained commitment to enhancing the capacity of alternative overland transit corridors in recent years. The prevailing geo-economic uncertainties have further incentivized Baku to prioritize the strengthening of diplomatic and cooperative relations aimed at mitigating political, financial, regulatory, and logistical challenges that impede effective communication and connectivity among the key states of the Silk Road region. Simultaneously, in collaboration with its Turkic counterparts, Türkiye and Kazakhstan, Azerbaijani leadership has made substantial investments in the modernization and expansion of its transportation infrastructure. These government-backed efforts encompass the construction of new highways, railways, and ports, along with the upgrading of airports and aviation facilities, forming an integral part of a comprehensive and interconnected transportation network along the east-west dimension. Such initiatives underscore Azerbaijan’s strategic focus on establishing itself as a critical hub within the broader regional and global transit landscape.

Speaking of regionwide transportation projects, Azerbaijan has been recognized as a pioneer in initiating the construction of multi-purpose transportation infrastructure projects across the region, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway (BTK), the Port of Baku, and the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFAZ). In particular, Baku has actively pursued policies and strategies aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and establishing a multifunctional logistics hub on the western shore of the Caspian Sea through the development of its maritime industry. Significant advancements have been made in the Caspian segment of multimodal transportation, highlighted by the establishment of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and the development of modern port facilities in Aktau/Kuryk and Baku. Strategic investments in maritime capacities are expected to position Azerbaijan as a crucial link in the global trade network and to foster the growth of export-oriented industrial activities. The Azerbaijani government has implemented a combination of hard and soft infrastructure measures to optimize shipping routes between regions. The resulting increase in import-export traffic will enable littoral states to expand transshipment operations and enhance hinterland connectivity. This expansion is anticipated to play a vital role in revitalizing international trade both within the region and on a broader scale.

In addition to its multilateral diplomatic initiatives and extensive infrastructure projects, Baku has played an active role in fostering humanitarian assistance within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States. More specifically, following the devastating earthquake in Türkiye in February 2023, President Ilham Aliyev proposed convening the first-ever Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States, which took place in March 2023 in Ankara, Türkiye. Centered on the theme of “Disaster-Emergency Management and Humanitarian Assistance,” the summit was organized to mobilize support for the earthquake-affected regions in Türkiye. During the Ankara Summit, OTS leaders underscored the importance of coordinated regional responses to natural disasters and unveiled plans to establish mechanisms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian aid delivery. This initiative reflected the organization’s commitment to strengthening solidarity among Turkic states and improving disaster resilience across the region. These initiatives also included the creation of a humanitarian aid coordination center and the establishment of emergency response funds. Humanitarian assistance appears to be emerging as a critical dimension of the OTS’s agenda, reflecting a commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations within its member states. The provision of such aid not only underscores the bloc’s responsiveness to catastrophic events but also provides momentum for the development of more robust mechanisms for multilateral cooperation and coordination in crisis management. Overall, the implementation of joint humanitarian efforts among Turkic states highlights the increasing efficacy and cohesion of the OTS in addressing shared challenges.

Nevertheless, Azerbaijan’s proactive engagement within the OTS and its dedication to advancing the alliance’s objectives have significantly enhanced its strategic importance. The country has hosted several pivotal events and spearheaded initiatives, such as the establishment of the Turkic Academy and the development of the Turkic Council Youth Platform, which underscore its leadership role within the organization. Moreover, Baku’s robust diplomatic relations with key regional powers, including Iran and Russia, have bolstered its capacity to exert influence in regional affairs. These strong ties have enabled Azerbaijan to effectively advocate for the geostrategic priorities of the OTS, further solidifying its position as a critical actor in fostering regional cooperation and advancing shared goals and mutual interests.

Thus, Azerbaijan’s dynamic engagement within the Organization of Turkic States underscores its pivotal role in fostering unity, enhancing connectivity, and advancing shared objectives among Turkic nations. Leveraging its strategic geographic location, extensive economic initiatives, and cultural heritage, Azerbaijan has become a linchpin in regional cooperation. Its leadership in infrastructure development, energy transit, and humanitarian assistance demonstrates a multifaceted approach to addressing regional challenges while strengthening economic and political ties. By championing interconnectivity projects like the Middle Corridor and spearheading humanitarian initiatives, Azerbaijan has positioned itself as a catalyst for integration and stability in the Turkic world. As a bridge between Europe and Asia and a key member of the OTS, Azerbaijan continues to shape a collaborative and prosperous future for the Turkic states, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of regional cohesion and global significance.

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