Baku: On February 23, the CASPIA (Center for Analysis of Strategic Policy and International Affairs), formerly known as the STEM Think Tank, hosted an expert event titled "Azerbaijan-Trkiye Relations: Strategic Prospects in a Changing Regional Order." The meeting took place amid institutional changes at the center, marking a new phase of activities under a new name, symbolizing the expansion of its analytical agenda and the strengthening of its international profile.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the event brought together leading analysts, researchers, and specialists in international relations. Mehmet G¶khan -z§ubuk§u, a Turkish expert on international relations, political scientist, and analyst, participated in the discussion as a guest of honor and speaker. The discussion focused on the current state and long-term prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Trkiye amid the transformation of the regional security architecture and the emergence of new geopolitical realities in the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Black Sea region.
During the meeting, experts emphasized that the strategic partnership between the two fraternal states today extends far beyond traditional political interaction, encompassing energy, transport, investment, security, and strategic communications. A significant portion of the discussion focused on energy and economic cooperation. The experts addressed issues of energy security, diversification of gas supplies, expansion of transit opportunities, and the implementation of joint infrastructure projects. It was noted that the energy partnership between Azerbaijan and Trkiye forms a key element of energy stability in the wider region and contributes to deepening economic interdependence.
In the context of regional transport processes, logistics and communications initiatives were discussed separately, including the Middle Corridor projects and other mechanisms for developing transit potential. Participants also touched upon the normalization of relations between Trkiye and Armenia, examining possible scenarios for its development and Azerbaijan's strategic role in ensuring the sustainability of regional dialogue and opening communications. In this context, the impact of these processes on the long-term stability of the South Caucasus was analyzed.
A separate section of the discussion was devoted to Trkiye's broader regional policy, including its interaction with the countries of the South Caucasus, as well as the expansion of Azerbaijan-Trkiye cooperation in Central Asia and the Middle East. The experts noted that the synergy between the two countries' foreign policy strategies creates new opportunities for multilateral initiatives, economic projects, and humanitarian cooperation.
At the end of the meeting, special emphasis was placed on the need to develop joint strategic narratives and strengthen coordination in strategic communications, which is seen as a key element of long-term alliance and sustainable regional development.