The 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, held yesterday in Uzbekistan, marked another decisive milestone in the political evolution of a region that is rapidly redefining its role on the Eurasian map. What was once a set of isolated, post-Soviet republics, lacking a shared political voice, geopolitical agency, and the ability to act as a collective actor, is now emerging as a coherent and increasingly influential regional bloc. The significance of the meeting goes far beyond declarations and photo opportunities. It represents a deepening of Central Asia’s new regionalism, one that creates genuine synergy and positions the region as a strategic player rather than a passive geopolitical space.

This shift also opens a timely debate: what would Azerbaijan gain from joining or formally engaging with this format? The answer is clear: Azerbaijan stands to benefit significantly, both in terms of regional influence and strategic connectivity.

To understand why yesterday’s meeting matters, it is essential to consider the historical context. During the Soviet era, the Central Asian republics lacked the opportunity to demonstrate unity and possess meaningful geopolitical weight. Moscow’s administrative design ensured that the republics remained economically dependent, politically marginalised, and strategically fragmented. Borders were drawn to limit cohesion, resources were tightly controlled, and independent regional initiatives were essentially impossible.
There was no platform for Kazakhstan to coordinate with Uzbekistan, nor for Kyrgyzstan to align its policies with Tajikistan or Turkmenistan. Central Asia........

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