Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), has addressed an international seminar titled “Assessing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route: Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects for Expanding Eurasian Connectivity toward Pakistan and the Indian Ocean.”
Speaking at the event, Shafiyev said the Caspian region has evolved from being viewed primarily as a bridge between Europe and Asia into a strategic hub for energy security, regional connectivity and international cooperation, News.Az reports.
He noted that recent geopolitical developments, including the war in Ukraine and the conflict involving Iran, have reshaped the Eurasian landscape by disrupting traditional trade routes while simultaneously increasing the importance of reliable transport and energy corridors.
According to Shafiyev, these developments have transformed the Caspian region from a transit area into a key contributor to regional stability, economic resilience and East-West connectivity.
He said this growing role is reflected in the increasing strategic significance of both the Southern Gas Corridor and the Middle Corridor.
Shafiyev described the Southern Gas Corridor as an important source of energy diversification for Europe through the supply of Caspian natural gas to European markets. He also emphasized that the Middle Corridor is emerging as one of the principal trade routes connecting China and Central Asia with the South Caucasus, Türkiye and Europe.
“In today’s uncertain world, diversified transport routes are no longer simply an economic advantage, they are a strategic necessity,” he said.
Shafiyev stressed that the Middle Corridor is not only about transporting goods but also about improving infrastructure, digitalizing customs procedures and making international trade faster and more efficient.
He noted that countries across the Caspian region and Central Asia are working together to establish a stronger and more integrated East-West trade network.
Addressing regional connectivity projects, Shafiyev pointed to the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) through the Zangezur Corridor as another initiative with significant potential.
According to him, by connecting mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and strengthening regional transport links, TRIPP could further reinforce the Middle Corridor and create a more efficient transport route linking Central Asia, the South Caucasus, Türkiye and Europe.
He added that beyond its economic benefits, the project could contribute to confidence-building, regional cooperation and long-term peace and stability.
Shafiyev underlined Azerbaijan’s unique position in advancing regional connectivity, citing the country’s strategic geographical location, modern transport infrastructure and balanced foreign policy.
He said Azerbaijan has invested substantially in ports, railways, logistics and energy infrastructure, enabling it to become one of the region’s principal connectivity hubs.
The AIR Center chairman also highlighted Azerbaijan’s efforts to promote new regional cooperation mechanisms.
He referred to initiatives such as the C6 platform, aimed at strengthening cooperation among Caspian and Central Asian countries, and the Organization of Turkic States, which he described as an increasingly important platform for political dialogue, economic cooperation and regional solidarity.
According to Shafiyev, these initiatives demonstrate that countries in the region are assuming greater responsibility for shaping their own future through practical cooperation.
Touching upon the South Caucasus, Shafiyev said sustainable peace remains essential for unlocking the region’s full economic and strategic potential.
He expressed the view that continued progress in the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, together with enhanced regional connectivity, including implementation of TRIPP, could transform the South Caucasus into a region defined by cooperation, trade and shared prosperity rather than conflict.
Shafiyev said the greater Caspian region is entering a new phase as global competition intensifies and international supply chains continue to evolve.
He noted that through investments in connectivity, regional cooperation and pragmatic diplomacy, countries of the region have an opportunity to contribute to a more stable, interconnected and prosperous Eurasia.
Speaking about Azerbaijan’s relations with Pakistan, Shafiyev said the bilateral partnership is based on mutual trust, shared values and consistent political support.
He noted that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence and has remained one of Baku’s closest partners on issues related to sovereignty and territorial integrity. Azerbaijan, in turn, has consistently supported Pakistan on matters of national importance, he added.
According to Shafiyev, this political solidarity has established a strong foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
He said Azerbaijan and Pakistan have significantly broadened their partnership in recent years beyond political dialogue, with defense and security becoming key pillars of bilateral ties alongside growing cooperation in energy, investment, transportation, information technology, tourism and education.
He added that the increasing number of high-level visits and implementation of new economic initiatives demonstrate both governments’ commitment to transforming political relations into a comprehensive strategic partnership with tangible economic benefits.
Shafiyev emphasized that connectivity offers the greatest potential for future Azerbaijan-Pakistan cooperation.
He said Azerbaijan’s location on the Caspian Sea and Pakistan’s access to the Arabian Sea make the two countries natural partners in connecting South Asia with the South Caucasus, Central Asia and Europe.
According to him, as the Middle Corridor continues to develop and new regional transport initiatives emerge, including TRIPP through the Zangezur Corridor, Azerbaijan and Pakistan can jointly establish faster, more reliable and more diversified trade routes across Eurasia.
He concluded that such cooperation would facilitate trade, strengthen regional resilience, promote economic integration and contribute to greater stability across the wider Eurasian region.
