Expert: Birlestik-2024 drills demonstrate importance of Middle Corridor

Cooperation in the defense sector may open the door to broader economic cooperation, Eldaniz Huseynov, Researcher at the Center for Eurasian Studies named after Heydar Aliyev at Ibn Khaldun Eldaniz Huseynov University, told Report.

According to the expert, after the Second Karabakh War, discussion of the need to deepen cooperation among Turkic states, especially in the military sphere, increased significantly.

He also emphasized that Azerbaijan’s participation in the exercises contributes to the rapprochement of relations between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.

“Azerbaijan’s participation in the exercises demonstrates the country’s readiness for active interaction with Kazakhstan and other Central Asian states. This helps to strengthen trust and mutual understanding between countries, which is important for stability and security in the region,” he said.

Huseynov also noted that conducting the exercises against the backdrop of the increased importance of the Middle Corridor “emphasizes the strategic importance of the route, which makes the exercises even more significant in the geopolitical context.”

“The exercises provide a platform for the exchange of advanced military technologies and techniques. This is especially important in the context of the development of the military-industrial complex and the introduction of new technologies into the armed forces. Kazakhstan is actively studying Azerbaijan’s experience in creating a military-industrial complex and strives for interaction in this area,” the expert emphasized.

Huseynov noted that cooperation in the defense sector may open the door to broader economic cooperation. The inclusion of defense technologies in production processes can contribute to the modernization of industry and the growth of the economic potential of both countries, he said.

“Strengthening defense capabilities and ensuring security through joint efforts contribute to the overall stability of the region, which has a beneficial effect on economic activity. Stability attracts investment and promotes trade, which is beneficial for both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan,” he concluded.