On 15 July 2025, the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Azerbaijan co-organized a roundtable themed “Security Challenges and Future Opportunities in the Black Sea Region”. 
 The roundtable discussion was attended by participants from the AIR Center, members of Parliament and representatives from other partner institutions. 
Chairman of the Board of the AIR Center, Dr. Farid Shafiyev stressed the importance of active discussions on the Black Sea and Caspian regions as well as the comprehensive bilateral relationship between Ukraine and Azerbaijan. 
In his remarks, Mr Yuriy Husyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Azerbaijan, emphasized that the Black Sea Region is at a geopolitical crossroads with profound implications for energy, trade and security in the region. He noted that the war between Russia and Ukraine has transformed the region into a zone of confrontation but it still remains also an area of cooperation.
The Ambassador concluded by noting the appreciation of the Ukrainian side for Azerbaijan’s support for the country’s territorial integrity. 
Mr Oleksandr Bogomolov, Director of the National Institute for Strategic Studies (NISS), underlined the unprecedented geopolitical significance of the Black Sea region in the context of the current global situation. He outlined the role of the U.S. and its support to Ukraine, while also addressing the newly announced EU Black Sea Strategy, which aims to reshape EU relations with Black Sea littoral states. The Director further highlighted Türkiye’s role in upholding the Montreux Convention and noted China’s growing economic presence in both the Black Sea and Caspian regions.
Mr. Kostiantyn E. Voitovskyi, Deputy Head of the Strategic Planning Department at the National Institute for Strategic Studies (NISS), assessed the impacts of  the war on the Black Sea region, emphasizing how these developments have compelled Ukraine to demonstrate the resilience of its institutions and society in defending its territorial integrity.
The speaker noted that despite ongoing confrontation and competition, the region faces notable opportunities, with several actors having overlapping interests in deterring aggression. 
Mr. Rusif Huseynov, Co-founder and Chairman of the Topchubashov Center, outlined the distinct but interconnected role of so-called pivotal states in the Black-Caspian Sea region. He noted the potential of the revitalization of the ‘GUAM’ format and the Organization of Turkic States.  Mr. Eynulla Madatli, former Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Ukraine outlined the evolution of historical ties between the two countries and their importance for understanding the present-day bilateral relationship. 
Mr. Shahmar Hajiyev, Head of Department at the AIR Center, reiterated the importance of the Black Sea region for transregional connectivity and energy security. He noted the significant energy production potential of the region and the importance of upholding energy infrastructure, especially given the damage that it has endured as a result of military action in recent years. 
The event concluded with an informative Q&A session.