The book chapter by Vusal Guliyev, titled “Azerbaijan and the SCO: From Dialogue Partner to Candidate Observer State,” has been published by the China Institute of International Studies as part of the SCO Blue Book 2025 project.
Originally written in Chinese, the piece explores Azerbaijan’s evolving engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the broader regional implications of its potential transition from dialogue partner to observer state. The manuscript examines how Azerbaijan is gradually deepening its engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), moving from a Dialogue Partner toward seeking Observer status. The author argues that this shift reflects a deliberate long-term strategy, not just symbolic diplomacy.
At the core of the argument is that Azerbaijan’s SCO policy is closely tied to its national development vision, especially its goal of economic diversification beyond oil and gas. The country aims to position itself as a key transit and logistics hub linking Europe and Asia. In this context, cooperation with the SCO supports major infrastructure and connectivity projects such as the Middle Corridor and the North–South transport route, which are central to Azerbaijan’s economic future.
The author highlights connectivity as the most important pillar of Azerbaijan’s engagement. By investing in railways, ports, and digital infrastructure, Azerbaijan seeks to facilitate trade flows across Eurasia and increase its geopolitical importance. Alongside this, economic cooperation with SCO countries is expanding through growing trade, foreign investment, and industrial partnerships.
Another important theme is Azerbaijan’s focus on green energy and digital transformation. The country is promoting renewable energy projects, attracting foreign investment, and using international platforms (like COP29) to strengthen cooperation in sustainability. At the same time, partnerships in areas such as artificial intelligence and digital connectivity are becoming increasingly important for modernization.
