BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. To strengthen
cooperation among the countries of the South Caucasus and enhance
their competitiveness, the idea of a “Caucasian Benelux” could be
implemented, a member of the board of directors of Strategy
International (SI) Ltd. and former Georgian Minister of Foreign
Affairs and Defense, Gela Bezhuashvili, said at the CAMCA Regional
Forum in Baku, Trend's correspondent reports from the event.


He noted that the complex and unpredictable global security
situation is forcing countries in the region to seek new
approaches.


“Since I left public service, much has changed in the world.
Today’s world is significantly different from what it used to be. I
prefer to talk not so much about the past and current problems as
about the future. The complex and unpredictable global security
situation today is forcing us to think differently and creatively
to create opportunities that will protect us from risks and
challenges,” Gela Bezhuashvili said.


According to him, new opportunities have opened up in the South
Caucasus following the resolution of the Karabakh conflict.


“What I am about to discuss was nothing more than a dream during
my time in public service. However, following the effective and
successful resolution of the Karabakh conflict, I believe that this
is no longer just a dream,” he noted.


Gela Bezhuashvili cited the Benelux model as an example and
proposed creating a similar framework for cooperation among the
countries of the South Caucasus.


“Most of you in this audience are familiar with the concept of
Benelux. Three once-small countries decided to unite to enhance
their competitiveness and expand their market opportunities.
Referring to what Dr. Starr said this morning about the broader
concept of Central Asia and the Caucasus, I can say that, in my
view, what was a dream yesterday can become a reality today. We are
talking, so to speak, about a ‘Benelux of the Caucasus,’” he
said.


According to him, now is a favorable time for developing
cooperation, especially among the countries of the South
Caucasus.


“In my view, these three South Caucasus countries should
determine in which directions, areas, and clusters they can support
one another to enhance their competitiveness,” Gela Bezhuashvili
emphasized.


He noted that there are still issues between Azerbaijan and
Armenia that need to be resolved, but this should not hinder the
parallel development of regional cooperation.


“Given that there are several important issues between Armenia
and Azerbaijan that require resolution, I can say with all due
respect that we can implement this idea in parallel. We must bring
the idea of a Caucasian Benelux to life,” the former minister
noted.


Gela Bezhuashvili stated that there is no need to create a new
international organization or an additional bureaucratic structure
for this purpose.


“I am not proposing to create more bureaucracy within
international organizations or to establish any kind of
secretariat. First and foremost, we need to establish a working
group that will identify our strengths and the areas where we can
support one another,” he said.


According to him, such a working group should include not only
government representatives but also representatives from the
private sector.


“The working group should not consist solely of government
representatives. I believe in public-private partnerships.
Therefore, the group should be mixed. This should send a clear
signal to governments that both governments and the business
community can demonstrate what we can do to enhance our
competitiveness, efficiency, and international recognition,” Gela
Bezhuashvili emphasized.


He believes that, given the current geopolitical situation,
Azerbaijan could lead this process.


“As for the mechanism of this process, I think that, given the
current geopolitical situation, Azerbaijan is well-positioned to
lead it. Azerbaijan should put forward this initiative,” said the
former Georgian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense.


Gela Bezhuashvili also proposed involving international advisory
bodies in organizing the working group’s activities.


“This working group should be established and led or moderated
by a leading international advisory body selected to assist
governments in organizing their activities,” he noted.


According to him, the CAMCA Regional Forum can also serve as an
intellectual and strategic communication platform for this
initiative.


“The CAMCA Forum can serve as an intellectual platform for such
a working group, as well as a strategic communication platform. The
goal here is to present the idea to the region, discuss it, and
convey the information to the region,” Gela Bezhuashvili added.