EU Reporter: Azerbaijan strengthens positions on the international arena
Over the past years, Azerbaijan has strengthened its positions on the international arena and formed the status of a middle power, thanks to an active foreign policy, the development of energy and transport diplomacy, the buildup of military potential, and participation in global initiatives.
As Report informs, this is stated in an article by EU Reporter.
Among the key factors allowing Azerbaijan to be considered a middle power, the authors of the material highlight the country’s active and multi-vector foreign policy. It is noted that Azerbaijan plays a prominent role on international platforms, including the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the OSCE, and the UN.
The article emphasizes that the foreign policy course of official Baku is aimed at strengthening stability, cooperation, and sustainable development both at the regional and global levels.
"Azerbaijan’s active participation in multilateral diplomacy, its initiatives within international organizations, and regional cooperation projects strengthen its positions as a constructive participant in the international system. At the same time, efforts to achieve lasting peace with Armenia remain one of the key priorities of Azerbaijan’s regional policy. Thus, the country’s foreign policy as a middle power serves not only to protect national interests but also to strengthen peace, security, and cooperation in the South Caucasus and beyond," the publication notes.
Special attention is paid by the author to Azerbaijan’s geostrategic position. According to him, the country is located at the intersection of the East–West and North–South transport routes, which significantly increases its importance in international logistics.
"Projects such as the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, the Middle Corridor, and the International North–South Transport Corridor enhance Azerbaijan’s role as a regional transport and logistics hub," the article says.
Among Azerbaijan’s most important tools of international influence, EU Reporter also highlights energy diplomacy. It is noted that Azerbaijan, thanks to the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor, TANAP, and TAP projects, has become one of Europe’s key partners in the field of energy security.
"Especially after the start of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Azerbaijan’s importance for the European Union’s policy of diversifying energy supplies has increased significantly. In addition, Azerbaijan possesses one of the most powerful military potentials in the region. The victory in the Second Karabakh War in 2020 and the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity have significantly strengthened its military capabilities and strategic weight. The combination of military power and diplomatic potential remains one of the key factors strengthening Azerbaijan’s status as a middle power," the material emphasizes.
