Central Asia is Becoming a "Group of Six," Moving Beyond Simple "5+1" Math

Good neighborliness, mutual cooperation, and concerted regional action represent core pillars of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy architecture, stated Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, during an interview with Jeffrey Sachs.

Emphasizing that Azerbaijan maintains robust strategic partnerships and alliances across its periphery, Hajiyev referenced comprehensive ties with Russia alongside deep historical, cultural, and neighborly bonds with Iran. Highlighting profound linguistic, historical, and civilizational affinities linking Baku to Central Asian nations across the Caspian Basin, Hajiyev remarked: "By the unanimous political decision of our Central Asian brothers, Azerbaijan joined the Consultative Council of Central Asian leaders. This transcends a mere '5+1' construct or simple mathematics; it is an organic matter of chemistry and convergence. Central Asia is effectively transforming into a 'six,' as Azerbaijan inherently belongs to this shared cultural space."