An interview with Prof. Azamat Seitov shows that in Uzbekistan, the decision to invite Azerbaijan as a full participant in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia is perceived as a logical and constructive step that fits organically into the new architecture of regional cooperation. The expert emphasizes that Azerbaijan is not seen as an external player: its common historical and cultural foundations and long-standing proximity make it a natural part of the emerging Eurasian space. Baku's participation strengthens the region’s potential in the fields of transport, energy, and logistics, turning it into a key link in the Trans-Caspian corridor and central routes, and also gives the Consultative Format an additional level of trust, subjectivity, and effectiveness of collective decisions.
The interview pays particular attention to how the personal trust and fraternal relations between Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Ilham Aliyev are influencing the formation of a new architecture of interaction in Central Asia. Against this backdrop, Azerbaijan’s participation is seen as a factor that strengthens economic connectivity – from the coordination of tariff policy and the digitisation of transit procedures to the development of port infrastructure and industrial cooperation. At the same time, according to Seytov, new horizons are opening up in the humanitarian sphere: academic exchanges, joint research centers, cultural festivals, and projects to preserve common historical and cultural heritage strengthen trust between societies and support long-term rapprochement.
The expert also emphasizes that Azerbaijan’s presence in an advisory capacity strengthens regional stability and security, complementing the emerging model of a “New Central Asia” based on trust, dialogue, and the absence of political barriers. The joint voice of the region and Baku is becoming more influential in international forums, from the UN to the Organization of Turkic States, which allows for more effective promotion of joint initiatives in the fields of security, ecology, water diplomacy, the digital economy, and humanitarian cooperation. In this context, Azerbaijan’s participation is seen as an important resource for strengthening Uzbekistan’s multi-vector policy and consolidating Central Asia as an area of peace, trust, and long-term prosperity.
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* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
