Baku: The Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC) presents an interview with Caucasus and Middle East expert Dr. Dnya Bashol. Azerbaijan has carved out a distinct role in strengthening stability in the South Caucasus following the resolution of the Second Garabagh War. By reclaiming control over its internationally recognized territory, Azerbaijan has significantly improved conditions for lasting regional stability.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Azerbaijan's actions in resolving the Garabagh conflict have paved the way for infrastructure investments and regional trade routes, previously hindered by ongoing hostilities. The diplomatic processes, primarily led by the U.S., have created a framework for normalizing relations across the region. Examples of positive interactions include the Nakhchivan gas interconnector with Trkiye, discussions on the Zangezur corridor, and incremental progress on border delimitation between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
In 2025, Azerbaijan and Armenia marked significant progress towards peace by initialing a peace agreement and declaring the unblocking of communications at the Washington summit. These developments signify a shift from conflict management to genuine normalization, benefiting the entire region. Both countries can now redirect resources towards development, with Armenia gaining access to Turkish markets and Azerbaijan securing borders and operationalizing trade corridors.
The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project is among several initiatives enhancing regional cooperation. Azerbaijan's role in these projects underscores its preference for cooperative solutions over coercion, positioning itself as a vital transit hub. By maintaining productive relations with competing powers and leveraging major corridor initiatives, Azerbaijan has achieved strategic autonomy, establishing itself as a partner rather than a pawn in regional geopolitics.
In 2025, Azerbaijan expanded diplomatic consultations with more than 50 countries, reflecting a strategic diversification of its foreign policy. Key directions include alliances with Trkiye and Israel, energy diplomacy with Europe, connectivity and transit diplomacy, and engagement with the Global South. These efforts enhance Azerbaijan's international image, portraying it as a dynamic regional power adept at balancing relations with global and regional actors.
President Ilham Aliyev highlighted significant achievements in Azerbaijan's foreign-policy strategy for 2025, emphasizing a fundamental shift in global perception. Azerbaijan is now seen as a regional power with strategic competence, maintaining alliances while fostering economic development and connectivity. The liberation of Garabagh illustrates Azerbaijan's strategic maturity, demonstrating its capacity to defend interests and convert military success into long-term diplomatic and economic advantages.