A webinar by Topchubashov Center (Azerbaijan) brought together regional experts and analysts to examine how the war is affecting C6 positioning, inter-regional dynamics, and relations with major external actors. Odilbek Manabov shared his insights on how instability in the Middle East is affecting Central Asia. He noted that the region has so far remained largely resilient, with no major disruptions observed. Unlike countries such as Japan, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, Central Asian states have avoided significant energy-related challenges. However, Turkmenistan has faced localized inflationary pressures. Manabov emphasized that current geopolitical tensions are more likely to encourage deeper regional cooperation rather than vice versa. In particular, the growing importance of alternative transport routes, such as the Middle Corridor, is reinforcing economic interdependence among C6. He concluded that while short-term impacts remain limited, ongoing developments may scale up regional cooperation and enhance Central Asia’s strategic role in Eurasian connectivity. * 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.

Khayotjon Ibragimov, a leading research fellow at the Center for Energy Diplomacy and Geopolitics IAIS, gave an interview to DW in which he offered an expert assessment of how the development of nuclear energy is beginning to reshape the energy and geopolitical landscape of Central Asia. The conversation focused on the region’s growing interest in nuclear power generation as a means to address rising domestic demand for electricity, diversify the energy mix, and establish a more sustainable model for long-term development. The interview pays particular attention to Uzbekistan, which views nuclear energy not as an isolated infrastructure project, but as part of a broader strategy of economic and technological transformation. In this context, it is emphasized that the launch of the first nuclear power plant could influence not only the domestic electricity market but also the regional balance of power, reinforcing the importance of energy policy as one of the key factors in the future development of Central Asia. Read on DW * 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.

In this interview with AZƏRTAC, Dr. Khayotjon Ibragimov, Leading Research Fellow at the Center for Energy Diplomacy and Geopolitics, examines the growing strategic relevance of the Middle Corridor amid rising instability in the Middle East and mounting risks to traditional maritime trade routes. He argues that disruptions around key chokepoints such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz have reinforced the urgent need for safer, more reliable, and geopolitically resilient overland connections across Eurasia. In this context, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route is presented not merely as a promising initiative, but as an increasingly vital pillar of regional and global trade security. The interview also highlights the particular importance of the Middle Corridor for landlocked states, especially Uzbekistan, for which improved access to external markets is closely linked to economic sovereignty and long-term development. Dr. Ibragimov underscores that projects such as the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway could significantly strengthen Central Asia’s integration into transcontinental logistics chains, turning the region from a transit space into an emerging distribution and connectivity hub. He further notes that the corridor’s expansion is stimulating investment in infrastructure, port development, and customs digitalisation, thereby creating new opportunities for sustainable economic growth. Beyond its economic dimension, the interview frames the Middle Corridor as a platform of political stability and strategic cooperation. By linking the interests of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and other regional actors through shared transit revenues and common logistical priorities, the route contributes to stronger interdependence and encourages diplomatic approaches to regional challenges. As global uncertainty deepens, Dr.Ibragimov presents the Middle Corridor as a mechanism through which the countries of the region can reduce external vulnerabilities while securing a more influential place in the evolving architecture of Eurasian trade. Read on AZƏRTAC * 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.

Dr. Abbos Bobokhonov provided his opinion in an interview for Bloomberg on the growing financial and investment cooperation between China and Central Asian countries. In his remarks, the expert highlighted the persistent infrastructure financing gap in the region, estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars. In this context, Chinese investments are seen as an important source of long-term capital due to their flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of Central Asian states. The interview also emphasizes the steady increase in China’s foreign direct investment in Central Asia, as well as the expanding use of the yuan in financial instruments, including bond issuance, reflecting the deepening economic ties and the gradual transformation of the region’s financial architecture. Read on Bloomberg * 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.

An interview with Nargiza Umarova was held in the studio of Kun.uz. The discussion focused on the possible economic implications of escalating tensions around Iran for Uzbekistan. The expert noted that transport routes passing through Iran and Pakistan are of particular importance for Uzbekistan, as they provide access to seaports and international markets. In the context of regional instability, transport and insurance costs may increase, which could complicate logistics chains and affect the cost of cargo transportation. The interview also highlights Iran’s strategic importance for diversifying Uzbekistan’s foreign trade and transit routes. According to Nargiza Umarova, the development of alternative transport corridors and stronger regional cooperation remain key factors for maintaining the country’s economic resilience amid external risks. * 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.

In an interview with News.Az, Nargiza Umarova, Head of the Center for Strategic Connectivity, shared her assessment of the current state and prospects of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. According to the expert, a key feature of bilateral relations is their allied status, formalized by the Treaty on Allied Relations signed in 2024. This format reflects a high level of mutual trust and creates additional opportunities for expanding cooperation in areas such as energy, transport, industry, and investment. The interview also notes that one of the main priorities of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy is the pursuit of geo-economic objectives, including the diversification of export markets and the development of new transport routes. In this context, Azerbaijan is viewed as an important partner capable of providing Uzbekistan with strategic access to new markets. Particular attention is given to the expansion of trade and investment cooperation. In recent years, bilateral trade has demonstrated steady growth, while the establishment of a $500 million joint investment fund has become an important mechanism for supporting joint projects in energy, petrochemicals, agriculture, and industry. The interview also highlights the importance of transport connectivity initiatives. Special emphasis is placed on the Middle Corridor and the multimodal route CASCA+, which connects Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Türkiye and contributes to the diversification of regional trade routes. Overall, according to Nargiza Umarova, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan is developing on a pragmatic basis and is aimed at strengthening trade and economic ties, expanding transport connectivity, and promoting joint investment initiatives. Read the interview on News.Az * 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.