On May 28, 2025, the leaders of Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Pakistan gathered in Lachin to formalise a trilateral partnership that could reshape how countries in this region trade, cooperate and respond to crises. This wasn't just another summit. It was the beginning of a serious effort to build a new kind of regional alliance - one rooted in shared history, mutual respect and a desire to chart a more independent future.

At the heart of this vision is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Originally a bilateral project between China and Pakistan, CPEC is now evolving into something much larger. The plan is to connect it with the Middle Corridor and the Lapis Lazuli Route, creating a seamless land bridge from Gwadar to Istanbul via Baku.

That's not just a logistical improvement -— it's a strategic shift.

In an era where global supply chains are vulnerable to disruption — from Red Sea piracy to Indo-Pacific militarization — land-based corridors offer resilience, speed and autonomy. The proposed tri-corridor integration could reduce cargo transit time from China to Europe from 35-40 days to just 15-18 days, while slashing freight costs by up to 15%. But beyond the numbers lies a deeper narrative: the emergence of a multipolar Eurasia,........

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