Azerbaijan’s regional and international significance is being closely followed by European countries, Lithuanian journalist Ričardas Lapaitis told AZERTAC.
“As Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev mentioned during the interview to local television channels, Azerbaijan is becoming a reliable and strategic transit hub between Europe and Central Asia. Undoubtedly, Azerbaijan’s geographical location and its purposeful logistics policy are turning the country into a key connection point along the Europe–Asia corridor,” the expert said.
According to him, today, given the current geopolitical realities in the world, it is difficult to state with certainty that alternative routes can offer the same level of security and sustainability.
“However, the infrastructure projects implemented by Azerbaijan to expand its transit capabilities deserve high appreciation. These projects have the real potential to increase trade turnover between Europe and Asia, diversify logistical supply chains, and deepen economic cooperation. At the same time, Azerbaijan’s strong emphasis on regional stability, sovereignty, and security carries strategic importance for Europe. These factors position the country not only as a transit route, but also as a reliable long-term partner,” he noted.
“Thus, the perspective forming within European countries reflects the belief that Azerbaijan is strengthening its role as a trustworthy bridge between Europe and Asia and will further enhance its strategic position. As a representative of a European country, I believe that today the issues of simplifying the visa regime and expanding investment mechanisms between Azerbaijan and European countries should be addressed more actively, with the aim of achieving concrete and result-oriented outcomes. This opportunity represents an important partnership for Azerbaijan, both in terms of access to the European Union market and in the context of regional logistics and financial expertise,” Lapaitis mentioned.
He emphasized that for business representatives from these countries, Azerbaijan offers significant opportunities, particularly in the fields of transit and logistics, transportation, energy, and the digital economy, creating broad prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation. “A more flexible and practical visa framework would have a direct positive impact on the development of business relations.”
“The establishment of concrete mechanisms in this direction with European countries would mean not only economic gains for Azerbaijan, but also the strengthening of political and strategic trust. Such an approach could mark the beginning of a new phase in Azerbaijan’s relations with Europe, based on practical and results-driven cooperation,” the journalist added.
