Azerbaijan: Gateway and driver of the Middle Corridor
Aug 08, 2025
As geopolitical balances shift in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan is establishing itself as a key player on the international stage. As its global profile rises, Azerbaijan is intensifying collaborations with regions across the world. A pivotal country in the development of the Middle Corridor, Azerbaijan is strengthening its ties with both Europe and Central Asia—including Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. This underscores its emergence as a cornerstone in the Middle Corridor’s evolution. One could even say that Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are reshaping Eurasia, as noted by Valiyev, C. (2025, July 31). These two partner nations have become pillars in the development of this strategic route.
Significant agreements have been signed between Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Türkiye in recent years, reflecting Turkmenistan’s active participation in the Middle Corridor.
Thanks to assertive diplomacy, strategic energy resources, and a proactive foreign policy, Azerbaijan is expanding its partnerships worldwide. On June 10, 2025, President Ilham Aliyev met with his Armenian counterpart, Nikol Pashinyan, to discuss a historic peace agreement. This rapprochement reflects a broader trend: a state determined to play a central role in both regional and global affairs.
As the leading power in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan is drawing closer not only to Europe and neighboring countries like Armenia, but also to Central Asia. On July 2, President Aliyev hosted Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, resulting in the signing of 20 bilateral agreements. Additionally, Uzbekistan inaugurated an Uzbek Park in Baku, the Azerbaijani capital. According to Caspian News, the Uzbekistan Park in Baku is expected to become a cultural landmark and a powerful symbol of Turkic unity. It will offer Azerbaijanis and tourists a unique opportunity to experience Uzbek culture firsthand, while also serving as a platform for cultural diplomacy, educational exchange, and people-to-people connection.
Between January and May of this year, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan more than tripled compared to the same period in 2024, surpassing USD 200 million. The two nations aim to reach USD 1 billion in annual trade and investment. Currently, around 300 joint ventures operate across both countries.
Then, on July 16, 2025, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, visited Azerbaijan following an invitation from President Ilham Aliyev. This visit marked a crucial milestone in the strengthening of Turkmen-Azerbaijani relations.
Minval.az also reported that Türkiye and the European Union are interested in transporting Turkmen gas to Europe via Azerbaijan. However, this would require the construction of a pipeline beneath the Caspian Sea. According to analysts, Azerbaijan is ready to support this initiative.
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