Baku: TRIPP is turning the South Caucasus into a springboard for U.S.-Central Asia cooperation, said Kamran Bokhari, senior director of the Eurasian Security and Prosperity Portfolio, during his speech at the 1st Azerbaijan-U.S. Think Tanks Forum, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Bokhari elaborated on the shifting dynamics in the region following the Second Karabakh War, highlighting a significant change in the balance of power in the South Caucasus. He emphasized the potential transformation of the region into a geopolitical corridor, underscoring the strategic importance of the ‘Trump route’. This corridor is seen as crucial not just for U.S.-Azerbaijan relations, but also for fostering cooperation between the U.S. and Central Asia.

Bokhari noted a decline in Russia’s influence within the region, which he regards as advantageous for Azerbaijan, providing the country with more leeway to assert its stance. He pointed out that the rapidly evolving events around Azerbaijan offer promising prospects for strengthening ties between Baku and Washington.

The expert also commented on the broader regional transformations, particularly in Iran and Russia, suggesting that these changes could open up new avenues for cooperation. Bokhari concluded that the current situation in Russia and the anticipated major shifts in Iran contribute to the potential for enhanced relations between Azerbaijan and the U.S.