Baku: Azerbaijan has emerged as a pivotal player in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) with significant contributions towards expanding its diplomatic and economic ties with member countries. Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, President of the Center for Knowledge and Public Policy Pakistan, highlighted Azerbaijan's active engagement as a dialogue partner within the SCO, emphasizing its strategic importance for the organization.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Ilham Aliyev consistently participates in SCO annual summits, fostering direct engagement with member states. His active involvement in recent years, coupled with the signing of a strategic partnership declaration with China, underscores the growing collaboration within the SCO framework. The Joint Declaration on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership, signed in Beijing, signifies a new era in Azerbaijan-China relations, enhancing cooperation with the SCO. Dr. Khan noted that Azerbaijan is on the right path towards deeper integration and productivity with the SCO member countries.
Dr. Khan further analyzed Azerbaijan's use of its unique geographic location to promote the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, facilitating trade connections between China and Europe. This initiative holds potential benefits for the SCO, offering a strategic trade route. He emphasized Azerbaijan's collaboration with SCO nations on sustainable energy security, green technology, and traditional fossil fuel supplies, which could lead to diversified and matured multilateral energy cooperation.
Azerbaijan's 'green energy' projects with SCO member states, including partnerships with China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, are seen as valuable additions for the region. The North-South and East-West transport corridors further underscore Azerbaijan's commitment to integrating these projects into SCO cooperation efforts. Critical analysis suggests that Azerbaijan's collaboration with SCO members will bolster its active involvement and mutual dialogue within the organization.
Azerbaijan's potential membership in the SCO is expected to create new avenues for cooperation in regional security, trade, investment, energy, telecommunications, and agriculture. It aims to strengthen direct contacts between small and medium-sized businesses and facilitate interaction on legal and customs issues. Dr. Khan highlighted the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, part of the Middle Corridor, as a significant contributor to regional connectivity and Azerbaijan's strategic role in the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative.
Azerbaijan's investments in infrastructure development, including highways, port expansion, and railway modernization, position it as a key transit hub for the SCO member states. The construction of the Zangezur route, a new addition to the Middle Corridor, further supports regional connectivity. Azerbaijan's role in the SCO economy, connectivity, and productive channels is expected to significantly impact container block train transit, reducing transportation time.
Lastly, Azerbaijan remains committed to regional efforts within the SCO framework to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, further solidifying its strategic importance within the organization.