Baku, 25 November 2022 (TDI): Baku hosted an International Conference on “Along the Middle Corridor: Geopolitics, Security and Economy” on 24th November.

The ADA University and the Centre of Analysis of International Relations based in Baku jointly organized the conference.

The Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, the Head of the AIR Center, Farid Shafiyev, and the Rector of ADA University, Hafiz Pashayev attended the conference. The conference will continue till November 26.

It is attended by representatives of Turkiye, the USA, Belgium, the United Kingdom (UK), Bulgaria, Canada, Egypt, France, Georgia, Israel, Italy, Switzerland, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, & Russian think tanks.

Address of Minister Bayramov

While addressing the Conference, Foreign Minister Bayramov noted that the system of international relations is undergoing a significant transition. He emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation rather than geopolitical competition.

He highlighted that Azerbaijan is bringing new opportunities to sustain peace. The Minister mentioned that the process is impeded by Armenia’s repeated provocations and failure to uphold its obligations.

Also read: President of Kazakhstan at CSTO Conference

The Minister mentioned that the 30 years of occupation in Azerbaijan had severe consequences. He added that Azerbaijan is working to overcome these consequences through restoration and the construction process.

In this vein, Minister Bayramov asked for the support of the international community as Armenia continues illegal activities in the territories of Azerbaijan. He further mentioned the importance of cooperation to overcome the current challenges.

He added that being a transit country along the international East-West Middle Corridor, Azerbaijan’s key concern is guaranteeing the security and reliability of transit operations in light of the ongoing events that pose a danger of supply chain disruption.

Minister Bayramov also mentioned the importance of cooperation in energy security. He added that energy security is included in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Azerbaijan and the European Union (EU) on July 18, 2022.

This includes modernizing the energy infrastructure and expanding cooperation in the creation of alternative energy sources.

Middle Corridor

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, is a multilateral institutional development.

It links the containerized rail freight transport networks of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the European Union (EU) via Central Asia, the Caucasus, Turkiye, and Eastern Europe.