The Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) hosted an event titled “Azerbaijan and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO): Opportunities and Prospects.”

In his remarks, Chairman of the Board of the AIR Center Farid Shafiyev highlighted Azerbaijan's active cooperation with international organizations and successful chairmanship within them in recent years.

He noted that the inclusion of Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries in the ECO during the 1990s has expanded the organization and has intensified the frequency of meetings.

“Azerbaijan has recently become a member of new organizations. Last year, during President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Egypt, Azerbaijan joined the D-8 organization. Overall, we aim to establish our presence on international platforms and ensure we are not left aside.”

The event, which was moderated by AIR Center’s Head of Department Shahmar Hajiyev, featured speeches by Member of Milli Majlis Gaya Mammadov, Deputy Head of the Economic Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rovshan Mirzayev, Deputy Executive Director at the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication Ramil Huseyn, and Co-founder and Director of the Topchubashov Center Rusif Huseynov.

Member of Millis Majlis Gaya Mammadov discussed the geopolitical importance of the ECO, describing it as an important mechanism for our country, thereby pointing out its great potential. He provided information about Azerbaijan's relationship with ECO and emphasized the significance of our country’s participation in the platforms where genuine cooperation is realized, as well as its contribution to the organization's continued growth.

Noting that ECO members are mainly allies and close neighbors of Azerbaijan, Deputy Head of the Economic Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rovshan Mirzayev said that cooperation in the spheres of transport, energy, and communication is important for our country. Talking about Azerbaijan's contribution to ECO, he said a ‘Clean Energy' and 'Research Center’ of this organization will be established in our country, and the final legal procedures are currently underway. The Foreign Ministry representative also underlined that the 17th ECO summit dedicated to sustainable development and stable economic cooperation will be held in the city of Khankendi.

Deputy Executive Director at the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication Ramil Huseyn drew attention to our country's successes in the field of economic diplomacy and indicators reflecting trade turnover with the ECO member states. He said the current forecasts show that if there are no future conflicts, the development in the ECO geographical zone will continue at a stable pace. He also noted the exemplary steps taken by our country in the field of clean energy.

Co-founder and Director of Topchubashov Center Rusif Huseynov discussed the growing geopolitical importance of Central Asia, which is now becoming a key area in the ‘Second Great Game’ that involves more and more geopolitical actors. He said that Azerbaijan's intensified relations with Central Asian countries make it a part of this geopolitical region. Therefore, joint meetings with Central Asia should be held in the 5+1+1 format. He also noted that Azerbaijan's increased activity in multilateral formats can expand political and economic opportunities for our country.