Caspian Policy Center hosting discussion on Trans- Caspian  connectivity

ArmInfo. The South Caucasus needs long-term peace, where all the countries are connected by  active economic, political and cultural ties. This was stated by the Ambassador of Armenia to the UK Varuzhan Nersesyan during a discussion organized by the Caspian Policy Center (CPC) at the House  of Lords in London, UK.  According to the report on the center's website, Nersesyan spoke on the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative by his government to unblock all transport and communication links in  the region.

It is noted that he discussion, moderated by CPC Advisory Board  Member James Sharp, focused on exploring opportunities for the United  Kingdom in the Caucasus and Central Asia, recent developments,  potential challenges to deeper cooperation, and the regional  implications of increased engagement.

The event brought together a wide range of participants, including  ambassadors and diplomats of regional embassies in the UK, members of  both chambers of the British Parliament, international experts, and  media representatives.  Hosting the event, Member of the House of  Lords, Lord David Evans, gave welcoming remarks, highlighting the  geopolitical and economic significance of the Trans-Caspian region,  likening it to the modern Silk Road. Lord Evans specifically  emphasized Azerbaijan's role as a reliable partner, as well as the  Caspian region's abundance of critical mineral resources.  And Lord  David Evans of Watford expressed his belief that through cooperation  between the Caspian states, the region could become a strategic trade  corridor between Europe and China.  n his opening remarks, President  of CPC Efgan Nifti underlined the region's growing diplomatic  engagement. "During COP29, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan  signed an agreement on alternative energy cooperation. Plans for a  submarine cable to transmit electricity to Europe via Georgia are  also notable," he noted, adding that the United Kingdom already has  established economic ties in the region and sees potential for deeper  collaboration.

CPC Senior Fellow Dr Erik Rudenshiold stated that the region was  entering a "modern era of exploration" driven by significant  advancements in connectivity and infrastructure.  Over the past three  years, the Middle Corridor-the Trans-Caspian transport route-has been  developed from the ground up," he remarked. "Today, this corridor is  actively facilitating trade between Asia and Europe, with global  logistics companies such as Japan's Maersk already utilizing the  route. What was once a strategic vision has now become an operational  reality."

Azerbaijan's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Elin Suleymanov,  highlighted recent strides in regional cooperation, noting that  enhanced connectivity is developing organically from within the  region. He welcomed progress in normalization efforts between Armenia  and Azerbaijan, emphasizing the value of direct dialogue and regional  ownership in resolving disputes. As a positive example, he referenced  a recent trilateral meeting in Georgia involving the deputy foreign  ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia.  "Projects that  overlook the roles of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Georgia cannot  succeed," he stated, noting that any route from Europe to Central  Asia inevitably passes through Azerbaijan. He added that the UK can  play a role in advancing the strategic importance of the Middle  Corridor in cooperation with Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

Turkiye's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Osman Koray Ertas, echoed  the growing international focus on the region, noting its rising  prominence on the Western agenda. "Turkiye has long championed the  development of the Trans-Caspian corridor, and current geopolitical  conditions now support meaningful progress," he stated. "Recent gas  supply agreements and infrastructure initiatives clearly demonstrate  this momentum."

Senior Counselor of Georgia's Embassy to the United Kingdom Nunu  Mosiashvili reaffirmed the country's strong commitment to dialogue  and active engagement in the development of the Trans-Caspian  corridor.  The discussion concluded with closing remarks from James  Sharp, who underscored the importance of strategic partnerships and  cooperative solutions to enhance energy and connectivity cooperation  across the Caspian region, benefiting both the United Kingdom and the  regional countries.

Notably, the event featured speeches by the ambassadors of Armenia,  Azerbaijan, Turkey and Uzbekistan to the UK, as well as diplomats  from the embassies of Kazakhstan and Georgia. However, only  Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan of the above-mentioned countries are  Caspian states.