Azerbaijan (Turkey News): The Caspian Policy Center (CPC) in Washington, D.C., held a conference titled “New and Expanded Central Asia: Next Steps for Trans-Caspian Corridor Development.”
The event brought together diplomats, experts, academics, and business leaders based in the U.S. The session, led by CPC senior fellow Eric Rednshold, featured speeches from Azerbaijan’s ambassador Khazar Ibrahim, Kazakhstan’s ambassador Magzhan Elyasov, and Uzbekistan’s ambassador Farqad Sadiqov.
CPC President and CEO Afqan Nafti highlighted the future of the C6 format, noting that recent progress has transformed previously informal cooperation into a structured and lasting collaboration. He pointed to Azerbaijan’s active participation in Tashkent-led Central Asia consultative meetings as a clear example of growing coordination among Caspian littoral states, signaling a shift in strategic thinking between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
Eric Rednshold discussed the evolving geopolitical landscape, stating that Central Asia and the South Caucasus were long considered secondary regions, but that era is over. The transition from the C5 to C6 format is particularly significant for new regional dynamics.
Azerbaijan’s ambassador Khazar Ibrahim emphasized the role of regional unity in shaping the future of the C6 format, noting that member states are increasingly aligning their positions and objectives. He added that despite Azerbaijan’s recent formal entry, the six countries have maintained close practical cooperation for many years.
