BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 20. Azerbaijan is showing new opportunities for the East - West cooperation, Tengiz Pkhaladze, a non-resident senior fellow at the European Center for International Political Economy (ECIPE), told Trend.
“There is no question that Azerbaijan’s role on the global arena is gradually increasing, and I suppose that the role of the country will grow even more. Azerbaijan shows itself as a reliable trade partner and energy supplier, which is extremely important today. Azerbaijan is developing great relations with Asian countries on one side, and with the EU on the other side,” he said.
Today, as transportation routes shift south, Azerbaijan has every chance to create new links and tremendous opportunities for the countries in the region, and especially for the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the expert explained.
Speaking further, Pkhaladze noted the particular importance of transport infrastructure development on the liberated territories that Azerbaijan is carrying out today.
“Azerbaijan does not only stand on its territorial integrity, but particularly shows, how these lands could be rehabilitated through a large-scale restoration work the country implements. Regrettably, as we know, many important projects remained on hold due to the conflict. Today, by bringing prosperity and development in Karabakh through new initiatives and solutions, as well as major infrastructure projects, Azerbaijan creates opportunities for potential investors,” he said.
Regarding the Zangazur Corridor project, the expert noted its significance and expressed hope for its implementation.
“To make Zangazur Corridor work, first of all, Azerbaijan and Armenia have to finalize the peace agreement, and I really hope that it will come to life soon for the benefit of the whole region,” he concluded.
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