BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 8, 2025 – The 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Gabala, Azerbaijan, spotlighted Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in advancing regional connectivity and transforming the Turkic World into a global force through enhanced transport and energy networks.
President Ilham Aliyev underscored Azerbaijan’s strategic position as a linchpin in the East-West and North-South transport corridors, bridging Türkiye and Central Asia. Since 2022, cargo traffic along the Middle Corridor has surged by nearly 90%, with reduced transit times bolstered by key infrastructure like the Caspian Sea’s largest trade fleet, the Alat International Trade Port (set to handle 25 million tons annually), the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, nine international airports, and a leading regional cargo airline. These assets cement Azerbaijan’s status as a major Eurasian transport hub.
Leaders from Uzbekistan and the OTS emphasized the Middle Corridor’s growing significance, particularly with plans to integrate it with the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the proposed Trans-Afghan corridor. OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev highlighted the transformative potential of the Zangezur Corridor, which could enhance geopolitical and economic opportunities for the Turkic World. Amid global trade uncertainties, the Middle Corridor stands out as a secure and efficient route linking East Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe.
Energy security was a cornerstone of the summit discussions. President Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a key energy supplier, exporting natural gas to 14 countries via pipelines, making it a global leader in geographic coverage. Azerbaijan is also advancing its renewable energy ambitions, aiming for 40% of its energy production to come from solar, wind, and hydropower by 2030. A flagship initiative, the Central Asia-Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Europe Green Energy Corridor, is set to deliver sustainable energy to global markets.
Azerbaijan’s reliability as an energy partner has strengthened its ties with Europe, particularly as the continent seeks diversified and stable energy sources. The country is expanding export routes, upgrading infrastructure, and boosting supply volumes to support collective energy security. Collaborative renewable energy projects with companies like Masdar and ACWA Power, backed by institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB), underscore Azerbaijan’s commitment to a green economy and global climate goals.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán praised Azerbaijan’s contributions, noting the involvement of Hungarian firms in major energy projects. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed the creation of an Advanced Energy Efficiency Council within the OTS to foster joint infrastructure and renewable energy initiatives, reinforcing the region’s green ambitions.
Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a central hub for transport and energy integration in the Turkic World. By advancing the Middle Corridor, Zangezur route, and Green Energy Corridor, alongside diversifying oil and gas exports and investing in renewables, Azerbaijan is driving sustainable growth and elevating the OTS’s global influence. These efforts not only serve national interests but also establish Azerbaijan as a critical bridge connecting East and West, solidifying its role as a leader in regional and international cooperation.