Azerbaijan joins Central Asian bloc in historic move
Azerbaijan’s entry represents the first expansion of the consultative format, created to strengthen coordination among Central Asian states
BAKU, Azerbaijan (MNTV) — Azerbaijan has been admitted as a full participant in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, a development regional leaders described as historic and politically transformative for Eurasia’s evolving power architecture.
Hikmat Hajiyev, assistant to the president and head of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy department, announced the move on X, saying Azerbaijan had become a “full-fledged member of the Central Asian family” ahead of the summit’s opening session in Tashkent.
“Our common history, ethnic and linguistic ties, religious traditions and cultural values transform into political unity at ‘6’,” Hajiyev wrote, referring to the newly expanded six-member format.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called the decision “a truly historic day,” saying Azerbaijan’s inclusion will strengthen cooperation between Central Asia and the South Caucasus. “We will build a strong bridge between Central Asia and the South Caucasus and pave the way for a single cooperation space,” he said.
The decision — signed by the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — follows Azerbaijan’s formal request to join the grouping. Central Asian foreign ministers have been instructed to begin harmonizing regulatory documents to integrate Azerbaijan into the framework.
Abdulaziz Kamilov, foreign policy adviser to Uzbekistan’s president, said the expansion marks a turning point. He noted that the states have moved beyond bilateral issues toward a new agenda focused on political, economic and humanitarian integration. “Azerbaijan officially joined our summit, our format,” Kamilov said, adding that President Aliyev’s argument that the two regions already function as a “single geopolitical and geoeconomic region” is gaining traction.
Azerbaijani MP Nigar Mammadova said the step reflects deepening regional political alignment and expanding cooperation. She highlighted plans to double foreign trade volumes, create a unified investment environment and establish virtual trade platforms. Broader goals include enhancing transport, logistics and high-tech infrastructure.
Mammadova emphasized the strategic importance of the Zangezur corridor, calling it the future “main artery of the Middle Corridor.” Azerbaijan says construction of the railway and parallel highway is nearing completion, with an initial cargo capacity of 15 million tons.
“The opening of the Zangezur corridor will benefit all Central Asian countries,” she said, noting expected gains in transit, exports and regional connectivity.
A new Eurasian configuration emerges
Azerbaijan’s entry represents the first expansion of the consultative format, created to strengthen coordination among Central Asian states after decades of bilateral approaches. Analysts say the inclusion of Azerbaijan — a Caspian energy hub, key transport route and rising diplomatic actor — reshapes the regional map, linking the South Caucasus more closely with Central Asia amid shifting global dynamics.
The 7th Consultative Meeting in Tashkent convened leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and — for the first time — Azerbaijan as full participants.
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