Baku: Azerbaijan's Energy Minister, Parviz Shahbazov, highlighted the country's growing influence in regional connectivity during a special session titled 'Cities at the Center of Connectivity: Urban Reconstruction and Regional Cooperation' at WUF13, as reported by APA. Shahbazov emphasized that Azerbaijan, strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, is cementing its status as a pivotal hub for energy and trade.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the minister underscored the significance of the Zangezur corridor, which is set to become a crucial element in Azerbaijan's expanding role. He pointed out that Azerbaijan's initiatives in energy connectivity are fostering new partnerships across Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Trkiye, and Europe. These efforts are not only enhancing energy cooperation but also facilitating digital connectivity through joint pipeline and optical infrastructure projects.

Shahbazov further stated that the success of modern cities is now measured by their resource utilization, innovation, sustainability, and integration levels, rather than their architectural stature. He affirmed Azerbaijan's commitment to contributing to the development of such cities and forging alliances to bolster them.