An international conference of think tanks from the Azerbaijan–C6 (Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia) format was held under the organization of the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center). The conference, titled “C6: A united region, shared future – strengthening strategic dialogue,” brought together nearly 60 participants, including representatives of leading think tanks from C6 member states.

In his opening remarks, Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the AIR Center, stated that Azerbaijan’s full membership in the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia, scheduled for November 2025, represents an important milestone in regional cooperation. According to him, this step will contribute to the formation of a more integrated geo-economic and geopolitical space across the Caspian Sea basin and further strengthen Azerbaijan’s ties with Central Asian countries.

“Central Asia is not only a neighbor for us, but also a natural partner. Our shared history and rich cultural legacy constitute a solid foundation; however, the primary distinguishing feature of our contemporary cooperation lies in geo-economic interaction, notably across energy, transport, logistics, and infrastructure sectors. The participation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, as an honorary guest at the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia held in September 2023 in Dushanbe (Tajikistan) and in August 2024 in Astana (Kazakhstan), demonstrates that the South Caucasus and Central Asia are increasingly being perceived in broader political and strategic circles as a unified strategic space. However, at the current stage, the substance of discussions must be further deepened and developed. Although Azerbaijan actively cooperates with Central Asia, the key issue is to build this cooperation within a more unified, institutionalized, and forward-looking framework. The goal is to transform cooperation into long-term opportunities. The C6 format must fulfil precisely this function,” Shafiyev emphasized.

Subsequently, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies under the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Shiri Shiriev,  described Azerbaijan’s accession to the the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia as a new phase in the history of regional cooperation. According to him, C6 is not merely a dialogue platform, but also a dynamic mechanism that enables the search for common solutions, the establishment of sustainable economic ties based on mutual benefit, and the strengthening of trust through humanitarian cooperation and the exchange of experience.

“The relevance of today’s conference is determined by several important factors. First, the dynamics of regional processes such as the Trans-Caspian corridors, energy issues, and environmental challenges require coordinated and systematic action. Second, amid the complexity of the global agenda and geopolitical instability, C6 can turn into a model of strategic autonomy based on the principles of mutual respect. Finally, the need for institutionalization is of particular importance. Issues related to formal institutions, expert networks, and coordination mechanisms are not merely theoretical discussions; their resolution constitutes real and practical matters that directly affect the future of the region.”

The international conference continued its work through thematic sessions.

The first session, titled “From dialogue to sustainable mechanisms: the future of C6 cooperation,” was moderated by Azamat Sulimanov, Head of Department at the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The session focused on the necessity of formal institutions and the effectiveness of flexible cooperation formats. Existing mechanisms consultative platforms, expert networks, and economic initiatives were assessed. Particular attention was paid to the role of think tanks in institutionalizing regional dialogue, coordinating the position of the C6 countries on international platforms, and transforming humanitarian cooperation into sustainable mechanisms.

The session “Connectivity and development: the economic dimension of C6 cooperation and sustainable development,” moderated by Yunis Gurbanov, Senior Advisor at the AIR Center, addressed issues of regional synergy and competition within the Trans-Caspian region and the Middle Corridor framework. Discussions covered energy cooperation among C6 countries, investment opportunities and existing obstacles, environmental challenges, and trust-building measures. The discussion also focused on mechanisms to ensure that economic cooperation evolves into long-term, sustainable structures.

The session “C6 regional security in the context of global ınstability,” moderated by Roza Bayramli, Senior Advisor at the AIR Center, analyzed both shared and divergent security threats. Discussions emphasized promoting military-political cooperation without creating blocs, maintaining balance in relations with external actors, and ensuring the region’s strategic autonomy. Participants explored practical approaches and effective cooperation mechanisms to enhance the resilience of the C6 region against the backdrop of global instability.

During the inter-session question and answer part, participants shared their views on the topics discussed and took part in interactive discussions.