Baku: Azerbaijan, while being the strongest state in the South Caucasus, has also strengthened its position as a 'middle power' in the international relations system by expanding its influence beyond the region, said Eldar Namazov, Director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, at a conference titled 'Azerbaijan as a Middle Power: Foreign Policy, Regional Influence and Global Participation,' APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Namazov noted the expanding application of artificial intelligence in the military sphere as a tendency of serious strategic importance. He emphasized that the world is changing rapidly, with new criteria emerging in the international relations system. He stressed the need for Azerbaijan to actively participate in these global processes to further strengthen its position and leading role in this field.

Eldar Namazov highlighted the significance of not only major powers but also countries capable of exerting significant influence on regional and global processes in international relations. He explained that when determining middle power status, key criteria include a country's territory, population, economic capabilities, military potential, diplomatic activity, and international influence. Namazov pointed out that having a large territory or a sizeable population does not always equate to possessing greater influence.