SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, July 13. Azerbaijan has
emerged as one of the key centers of regional integration,
spearheading major connectivity and development projects across the
Greater Caspian region, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus, Gela
Vasadze, a Georgian political analyst, told Trend on the sidelines of
the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum.


"Azerbaijan has transformed from a country with occupied
territories and significant vulnerabilities into a middle power
that today plays a major role in shaping the regional agenda.
Moreover, in projects connecting the Greater Caspian region with
Central Asia and the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan is both a driving
force and an initiator," Vasadze said.


He noted that discussions at the forum had provided the
international expert community with a more comprehensive
understanding of Azerbaijan’s development

"The expert community has effectively developed a common
understanding of this trajectory. It would have been impossible to
achieve such a comprehensive picture through separate discussions
alone," the analyst said.


Speaking about Shusha, Vasadze said he has visited the city for
four consecutive years and has followed its restoration process
since the early days after its liberation.


"I saw Shusha when it was in ruins, and I saw it when it was
still heavily mined. Today, Shusha has become a symbol of a new
Azerbaijan – an example of how a small and vulnerable city can be
transformed into a place of remarkable beauty," he added.


Meanwhile, the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum is currently taking
place in Azerbaijan under the theme ''The Mission of the Media in
Promoting Peace: Restoring Truth and Rebuilding Trust.'' The event
has brought together around 160 media representatives, experts, and
officials from 53 countries to discuss pressing challenges facing
the media landscape in the digital age.


Key discussions at the forum focus on combating disinformation,
creating safe digital information environments, and addressing
media ethics in the era of artificial intelligence. Participants
are also taking part in interactive sessions and panel discussions
exploring the role of journalism in peacebuilding and strengthening
cross-border media dialogue.


The ongoing forum aims to promote practical solutions to enhance
digital solidarity, support responsible journalism, and help
restore public trust between societies.