Armenia and Türkiye are pursuing normalization, including reopening borders and trade, after decades of deadlock. While offering economic opportunities, this process is intertwined with Armenia's shift from traditional reliance on Russia towards Western influence, raising concerns about potential new regional confrontations rather than stability.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Azerbaijan and Armenia next week to strengthen the EU's strategic engagement with both countries. Discussions will focus on energy supplies, regional infrastructure, and economic cooperation, particularly the Middle Corridor trade route.
Military expert Alexander Stepanov stated that NATO countries, particularly the US and France, are aiming to transform Armenia into their South Caucasus outpost. This is evidenced by upcoming "Eagle Partner" drills and Armenia's rearmament to Western standards, with France supplying radar systems for intelligence gathering.
وزير الخارجية التركي مولود جاويش أوغلو ونظيره الروسي سيرغي لافروف يجتمعان في موسكو لمناقشة الاتفاق النووي الإيراني، الحرب في أوكرانيا، والوضع في جنوب القوقاز. أكد فيدان استعداد تركيا لاستضافة مفاوضات السلام حول أوكرانيا.
Armenia is bolstering its defense cooperation with India, seeking advanced weapon systems and training to counter threats from Azerbaijan, which is supported by Pakistan and Turkey. Recent high-level visits and significant arms deals, including Akash missiles and Pinaka rockets, highlight this growing partnership.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin stated that the Middle East crisis, including situations in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, Lebanon, Palestinian territories, Libya, Yemen, and Syria, could impact Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the Caspian Sea regions due to their interconnectedness.
The EU's High Representative, Kaja Kallas, met Azerbaijan’s leadership in Baku for talks to advance what she called “our strategic interest” in connectivity between the EU, the South Caucasus and Central Asia, and to contribute to the regional peace process.
The oil sector in the South Caucasus and Central Asia is shifting towards more flexible trading strategies as volatile markets and Asia-led demand reshape global energy flows.
Zelenskyy makes first visit to Azerbaijan since Russia's 2022 invasion, offering trilateral peace talks in Baku while confirming Ukrainian military experts deployed for anti-drone cooperation. Ukraine ready to meet Russia in Azerbaijan, but not in Russia or Belarus. Security and energy deals signed with Aliyev, who recalled Russia's deliberate attacks on Azerbaijan's Kyiv embassy and energy infrastructure.
As the US-Israeli war with Iran chokes off shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the “Middle Corridor” is being held up as a critical alternative lifeline linking East Asia to Europe. Also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the Middle Corridor is a multimodal logistics route that connects China and Europe via Kazakhstan in Central Asia, Azerbaijan and Georgia in the South Caucasus, the Caspian Sea and Turkey. Waqar Ahmad, president of Kazakhstan’s Nazarbayev University,...
