BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 18. A panel session on
“New Opportunities in Connectivity” was held as part of the 5th
Antalya Diplomacy Forum in the Turkish city of Antalya, Trend reports.
Speakers at the panel session included Elchin Amirbayov,
Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on
special assignments, Timčo Mucunski, Minister of Foreign Affairs
and Foreign Trade of the Republic of North Macedonia, A. Berris
Ekinci, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of
Türkiye, Emanuele Giaufret, and Deputy Managing Director for
Western Europe of the European External Action Service.
Addressing the session, Elchin Amirbayov said that Azerbaijan’s
strategic location on a key transit route and its geopolitical
position further highlight the importance of diversifying
exports.
“The Middle Corridor is an intercontinental transport route and
possibly the most cost-effective, secure, and shortest connection
between two continents. At the same time, it contributes to greater
diversification. I believe that market volatility, geopolitical
instability, and tensions further increase its importance. What was
once just one of the alternative options is now becoming an
increasingly vital route under current conditions,” he
emphasized.
“For decades, our region has been characterized by conflict,
closed borders, and fragmentation. Following Azerbaijan’s
restoration of its territorial integrity and sovereignty, a de
facto peace now exists with neighboring Armenia, creating new
opportunities,” Elchin Amirbayov emphasized.
Other speakers highlighted global trade routes and
infrastructure projects, noting that to unlock the full potential
of these projects, technical, legal, and investment challenges must
be addressed through multilateral cooperation.
As part of the broader objective of mapping tomorrow, this panel
explored new opportunities in connectivity, showing how
strengthened regional networks can manage uncertainties while
fostering development, stability and resilience for participating
countries.
