BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Azerbaijani
Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stressed the importance of
strengthening the Middle Corridor and regional cooperation, the
Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said.
On October 7, Bayramov participated in and addressed a meeting
of foreign ministers of the Central Asian states and Azerbaijan
held in the Avaza National Tourism Zone in Turkmenistan as part of
his working visit to the country.
Bayramov highlighted the importance of holding the meeting ahead
of the high-level summit as an opportunity for preliminary
discussions on key areas of cooperation.
He noted that Azerbaijan's admission last year as a full-fledged
member of the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central
Asia demonstrated the deepening integration processes between the
countries, based on historical and cultural ties, mutual trust and
shared strategic interests.
Against the backdrop of growing global instability, geopolitical
competition and disruptions in supply chains, the minister stressed
the need to deepen regional cooperation to strengthen the economic
and energy security of the countries.
In this context, he highlighted the importance of equal and
trust-based political dialogue among the participants of the C6
format, as well as expanding trade and mutual investment.
Touching on cooperation in strategically important transport and
energy sectors, Bayramov noted the growing role of the Middle
Corridor in establishing sustainable connectivity between East and
West and in international trade.
He also emphasized the importance of the developing strategic
partnership among the countries in the production and transmission
of green energy, as well as transport and digital connectivity
projects, for fully realizing the region's potential.
The minister paid particular attention to the environmental
agenda. He expressed serious concern over the consequences of
climate change, problems related to the Aral Sea and water
resources, as well as the sustained decline in the level of the
Caspian Sea and its adverse impact on coastal infrastructure and
the environment.
He stressed the importance of a systematic scientific approach,
information exchange and regional cooperation in addressing these
challenges.
In conclusion, Bayramov expressed confidence that the documents
and agreements to be adopted following the meeting would provide
clear guidance for long-term cooperation.
He reaffirmed Azerbaijan's readiness to actively contribute to
strengthening the format and implementing its objectives.
