BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 14. A significant trilateral meeting was held in Baku between Azerbaijan, Russia, and Iran to discuss future cooperation in regional transport, energy, and customs, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.
Garayev stated that the meeting demonstrated Azerbaijan’s role as a regional leader, highlighting its strategic position and developed infrastructure.
“Thanks to its geographic location and modern infrastructure, Azerbaijan has emerged as a leading transport and energy hub in the region. The success of international transport and energy projects directly depends on Baku’s coordination capabilities and planned policies. Azerbaijan proves to be an indispensable partner for neighboring countries, reinforcing its leadership as a regional transport and energy center,” he said.
Garayev noted noted Baku plays a central role in the region’s transport network, linking Russia and Iran via the North-South International Transport Corridor and providing a critical transit route between Europe and South Asia. The corridor’s reliability, speed, and efficiency depend directly on Azerbaijan’s management.
“Azerbaijan is not just a transit country; it is shaping regional logistics. Modernization, digitalization, and optimization of customs and border operations are being implemented on Azerbaijan’s initiative. These measures increase the speed and security of regional cargo flows while strengthening the country’s strategic advantage. The North-South corridor currently handles 10-12 million tons of cargo annually, with plans to increase capacity to 15 million tons. This will enhance Azerbaijan’s role as a regional logistics and transit center, providing strategic benefits to neighboring countries,” he added.
Garayev underscored that multiple pivotal infrastructure initiatives were scrutinized during the assembly, accentuating their essential function in guaranteeing the viability and advancement of the region's transportation framework.
“The Rasht-Astara railway segment and terminal form the backbone of the North-South corridor. Azerbaijan oversees coordination and technical supervision within its territory, enabling the timely and high-quality completion of the project. The Aghband-Kalala road bridge accelerates cargo transit and streamlines border crossings, optimizing regional cargo flows. Expansion of road checkpoints and modernization of customs infrastructure ensure uninterrupted transit and improve the efficiency of cargo transportation. The establishment of working groups strengthens cooperation in road transport and customs, allowing for swift problem resolution. These projects demonstrate Azerbaijan’s leadership not only in technical execution but also strategically. Every decision and coordination effort directly impacts cargo flow and regional economic stability. From an analytical perspective, synchronizing railway and road infrastructure could reduce transit times by 20 percent up to 30 percent, further reinforcing Azerbaijan’s role as an indispensable partner for neighboring countries,” he said.
The political analyst underscored that Azerbaijan's pivotal positioning engenders substantial capital influx potential for the nation and the broader geopolitical landscape.
“Azerbaijan is leveraging these opportunities to the fullest. The country attracts investments, coordinates project implementation, and fosters cooperation among partners based on equal principles, further solidifying its role as a regional economic and transport hub. The full operation of the North-South corridor could contribute $3-4 billion annually to regional trade, underscoring its strategic and economic importance for Azerbaijan. Energy cooperation and the interconnection of electricity networks were also central topics at the meeting. Azerbaijan plays a leading role in regional energy stability, optimizing electricity transmission through network integration. Technological collaboration, knowledge exchange, and coordinated construction work demonstrate that Azerbaijan is a key regional partner. Baku not only manages logistics but also sets standards and ensures the timely and efficient completion of projects. Energy sector synchronization holds strategic significance for neighboring countries, with reliable electricity supplies to Iran and Russia further reinforcing Azerbaijan’s regional position,” Garayev said.
He highlighted that the streamlining of border transit protocols and the integration of digital solutions were pivotal focal points of discourse.
"Azerbaijan is deploying advanced digital systems to minimize delays and enhance transparency. This approach not only boosts economic efficiency but also reinforces the country’s strategic advantage in the region. The integration of digital systems and the work of specialized groups enable rapid responses to any challenge, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of international transport corridors. In this field, Azerbaijan serves as the primary provider in the region, strengthening its role as a reliable partner for neighboring countries. During the meeting, an agreement was reached on the joint inspection of infrastructure facilities to ensure the flow of fifteen million tons of cargo along the North-South corridor. This initiative will further consolidate Azerbaijan’s strategic position as an international logistics hub. Full development of the corridor will enhance regional trade, deepen economic integration, and optimize transit revenues for neighboring countries," he said.
The political analyst emphasized that the trilateral meeting in Baku reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s strategic importance.
"The country is not only reinforcing its own positions but also setting development standards for the entire region. By demonstrating leadership in investment, digitalization, innovation, and project coordination, Azerbaijan strengthens its role as a regional logistics and energy center. The nation strategically facilitates localized growth initiatives while establishing itself as a consistent and trustworthy collaborator for adjacent jurisdictions. Today, Baku transcends its role as a mere transit nexus; it has evolved into the epicenter of economic and strategic advancement within the regional landscape," Garayev concluded.
Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel