In an interview with AZERTAC, the head of the Center for Energy Diplomacy and Geopolitics, Khayotjon Ibragimov, gave a detailed assessment of the initiative of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, emphasizing its timeliness and strategic importance in the context of a complex geopolitical environment. In his opinion, the proposed course marks the transition of the Turkic states from fragmented sectoral cooperation to the formation of a single strategic security space, where economic development is organically linked to political stability.
The expert placed particular emphasis on the energy dimension of cooperation, noting that deeper coordination could form a kind of “energy backbone” for Eurasia. In his view, energy sovereignty is becoming a key element of the new model of interaction in the Turkic world, influencing not only economic indicators but also the regional balance of power. In this context, energy is seen as a tool for long-term stability and strengthening collective positions in the international arena.
The interview also highlighted the region’s transit potential, primarily the development of the Middle Corridor and projects to transport “green” energy from Central Asia through Azerbaijan to Europe. Khayotjon Ibragimov noted that a collective approach to protecting critical infrastructure – pipelines, power grids and transport hubs – minimises external risks and ensures uninterrupted supplies. Overall, he said, President Ilham Aliyev’s initiative forms the conceptual basis for the future development of the Turkic world as a more sustainable and influential actor in the modern international system.
* 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.
