Ilham Aliyev: No regional project is possible without active engagement with Kazakhstan

No regional project is possible without active contacts between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, Azerbaijani President said at the opening ceremony of the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, entitled "The Mission of the Media in Promoting Peace: Restoring Truth and Rebuilding Trust," while responding to a question from Chairman of the Management Board of Qazcontent JSC Adil Seifullin .

The forum gathered approximately 160 representatives of the media, expert community, government institutions and international organisations from 54 countries. Participants include representatives of around 30 international news agencies and over 60 leading media organisations.

One of the forum’s central events was a plenary session attended by President Aliyev, during which representatives of international media outlets were given the opportunity to address questions directly to the Head of State.

Representing Kazakhstan, Adil Seifullin, Chairman of the Management Board of Qazcontent JSC, highlighted the strong level of bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, as well as the strategic role of both countries in developing new transport and economic corridors. He noted that the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), widely known as the Middle Corridor, has already become a vital link connecting Asia and Europe.

Chairman of the Management Board of Qazcontent JSC asked President Aliyev how he assessed the role of the strategic partnership with Kazakhstan and his personal cooperation with President Tokayev in advancing bilateral relations.

In response, President Aliyev first expressed his gratitude to President Tokayev and the people of Kazakhstan for their support in the reconstruction of Karabakh. He recalled that, with Kazakhstan’s assistance, a Children’s Creativity Centre named after the renowned Kazakh composer Kurmangazyhad been built in the city of Fuzuli and inaugurated by the Presidents of both countries.

The Azerbaijani leader emphasised that the personal relationship between the two Heads of State has become an important factor in strengthening the Kazakh-Azerbaijani strategic partnership.

“Of course, our personal relations are also a very important factor in this regard,” he stated.

According to President Aliyev, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan share an extensive bilateral agenda. Located on opposite shores of the Caspian Sea, the two countries play an important role in implementing transport, logistics and infrastructure projects across the region. He stressed that major transport initiatives in the Caspian region would be virtually impossible to implement without active cooperation between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

Particular emphasis is being placed on the development of the Middle Corridor. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan continue to expand their port and transport infrastructure with the aim of increasing the route’s capacity and reducing cargo transit times between Asia and Europe.

In addition, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye continue to cooperate within a quadrilateral framework. The participating countries coordinate tariff policies, advance the digitalisation of transport processes, simplify customs procedures and improve the overall efficiency of freight transportation.

President Aliyev also highlighted ongoing cooperation in the energy sector. He recalled that in 2024, the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan signed an agreement in Baku on a project to construct a subsea power cable across the Caspian Sea. A feasibility study for the project is currently being prepared.

The new energy corridor is expected to strengthen cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus while creating additional opportunities for electricity exports to international markets.

Another strategic initiative involves the construction of a subsea fibre-optic cable connecting Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan across the Caspian Sea.

According to President Aliyev, the project will benefit not only the two countries but also the wider region by supporting digital transformation, data processing, artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.

The Azerbaijani President also noted bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector. Kazakh crude oil is already being transported through Azerbaijan in certain volumes, contributing to the diversification of export routes and strengthening the resilience of the regional energy system.

Commenting on Kazakhstan’s development, President Aliyev praised the country’s ongoing reforms and wished the people of Kazakhstan continued success.

He also shared his impressions of a recent visit to Turkistan.

“I was deeply impressed by the way the city’s historical heritage is carefully preserved and the memory of its great ancestors is honoured,” the Azerbaijani President said.

President Aliyev expressed satisfaction with the dynamic development of relations between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan continue to expand cooperation across transport, energy, digital development, trade, economic relations, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Regular high-level political dialogue remains one of the key drivers of this strategic partnership.

The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum focuses on strengthening public trust in the media, countering disinformation, advancing the digital transformation of the media sector, promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence, and enhancing international cooperation.

Forum participants are also discussing the role of journalism in promoting peace, rebuilding trust and ensuring objective coverage of international affairs.