London: An event titled 'London Caspian Connectivity Conference: Growth and Resilience', organized by the Caspian Policy Center (CPC), was held in London, UK. In attendance were Lord John Alderdice, UK trade envoy to Azerbaijan and Central Asia, ambassadors of Azerbaijan, Trkiye, Georgia, and Uzbekistan to the UK, experts, as well as representatives of international organizations, business circles, and financial institutions.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Efgan Nifti, CPC President, emphasized that the Caspian region has turned into one of the key items on the global agenda. He particularly stressed the importance of the Middle Corridor amid the existing global challenges, describing the route as Eurasia's most viable pathway for global markets. Nifti highlighted the need to strengthen institutional and infrastructural frameworks to nurture innovation, drive success, and reward investment for the Middle Corridor to realize its full potential.
Addressing the event, Lord John Alderdice, UK trade envoy to Azerbaijan and Central Asia, highlighted the dynamic development of the Caspian region. He praised Azerbaijan's Alat Free Economic Zone, stressing its significance for both the West-East and the North-South routes. Alderdice remarked that connectivity transcends structures, economics, or bandwidth, focusing on the relationships that develop between people, businesses, countries, and communities. He noted the enormous potential of the region, given its geopolitical and economic significance and resource richness, emphasizing the rapid development of its people.
The event featured a panel session titled Economic Prospects - Growth and Resilience, with remarks by Azerbaijani, Turkish, Georgian, and Uzbek ambassadors to the UK, namely Elin Suleymanov, Osman Koray Ertas, Ilia Darchiashvili, and Ravshan Usmanov. Elin Suleymanov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK, noted that amid changes in global supply chains, the availability of alternative routes is no longer an issue, urging purposeful diversification of transit and connectivity opportunities. He highlighted the Middle Corridor as a unique and reliable pathway in this regard and discussed the over 30 years of partnership among Azerbaijan, Trkiye, and Georgia, as well as the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Suleymanov also mentioned initiatives with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, stressing the importance of the C6 format.
The event continued with panel discussions focused on economic opportunities, energy security, sustainability, and connectivity.