As previously reported in the Turkmen media, an international conference of analytical centres of the C6 countries entitled «C6: a single region, a common future – strengthening strategic dialogue» was held in Baku in mid-February.
The meeting was organised by the Centre for analysis of international relations of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Turkmenistan was represented at the meeting by Ambassador Shiri Akoyliyevich Shiriyev, director of the scientific Centre for strategic studies of the Institute of international relations of the MFA of Turkmenistan. Upon returning from Baku, the «Golden Age» correspondent met with Shiri Shiriyev and asked him several questions.
– Dear Shiri Akoyliyevich, first of all, a few words about the new C6 site. Our readers and experts would be interested to know what it is and what is the «history» of its emergence in the field of international analytics?
– Before answering your question, I would like to remind you what was the precursor to the emergence of the C6 format. If you remind, the November 2025 Consultative meeting of Central Asian leaders marked a significant turning point in regional politics: Azerbaijan was officially accepted into the format previously known as C5 (CA countries). For observers following the dynamics of Eurasian diplomacy, this move was more a logical continuation of gradual rapprochement than a surprise. The very formation of Central Asia (CA) as an independent subject of global politics became possible thanks to the emergence in 2018 of an institutionalised format of Consultative meetings. This mechanism allowed the leaders of the region to regularly engage in open dialogue, increase mutual trust, and coordinate strategically important decisions. As a result, a profound transformation has occurred over the course of several years: the atmosphere of interstate relations has improved, transport connectivity has grown, and intraregional trade turnover has doubled. The emergence of a stable C5+ format has strengthened the already growing interest of major global actors in a united Central Asia. «Five plus» has become a diplomatic brand, attracting interest from China, Russia, the USA, the EU, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, France, Italy, Germany, as well as the cooperation Council for the Arab states of the Persian gulf. These meetings, which had no analogues in world practice, finally consolidated the new international subjectivity of the region. These meetings, which had no analogues in world practice, finally consolidated the new international subjectivity of the region.
As for the new format, this clearly strengthens the position of the region on the international stage: now six states can express coordinated positions. A common geopolitical identity has already formed between Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia, and this is a natural process. This is due not only to the common Soviet past and similar historical experience. Geopolitical developments over the past three decades in the region - in the areas of economics, transport, trade, energy and security - have made deeper cooperation necessary. By the way, this idea was voiced at the conference by many experts, including Azerbaijani ones.
– You noted that five is better and more profitable than six. Still, I would like to know what has changed since joining the Baku format?
– The accession of Azerbaijan was a continuation of the evolution of the format and at the same time gave it a new dimension. With the addition of a sixth member, regional architecture has not only become broader, it has acquired additional depth. Baku has brought to it its economic potential, resources and a rich network of foreign policy relations, which strengthen the overall dynamics of development. Azerbaijan fits seamlessly into this space: it strengthens geo-economic connectivity, particularly in Caspian logistics and energy, expands opportunities for coordination on international issues, and opens new avenues for investment and technological exchange – from traditional industries to digital solutions.
– What is the basis of C6 and what are the main goals of the new format?
– Firstly, the C6 format strengthens the sovereignty of states by providing alternative routes to access global markets through Azerbaijan. C6 is a conceptual framework for cooperation between the Central Asian countries (CA5) and Azerbaijan, aimed at developing the Trans-Caspian corridor, energy integration and regional security. In addition, forums within this format (for example, in Baku) focus on building trust, economic cooperation, and resilience to global risks. The key areas of the C6 strategic dialogue, in short, are economics and logistics, security and sustainability.
– Shiri Akoyliyevich, a little about the conference itself and its participants.
The event was attended by heads and staff of foreign diplomatic missions, as well as representatives of think tanks and the expert community of C6 countries.
The conference addressed issues of strengthening regional cooperation, expanding strategic dialogue, and ensuring sustainable development in the complex geopolitical environment of today. Almost all speakers agreed on the enormous importance of the C6 format as an effective platform for developing cooperation between countries in the region.
Experts paid special attention to issues of transport and logistics connectivity, economic partnership, energy security, sustainable development, and regional security. Furthermore, the speeches emphasized that the C6 format is gradually transforming into an effective tool for promoting interregional cooperation and coordinating efforts in current areas of international policy. Following the conference, participants expressed interest in further developing expert dialogue and expanding interaction within the C6 format.
The C6 format has great potential if attention is paid to strengthening its institutions. In this case, he will be able to become a good example for others.
– How would you assess the main results of the Baku conference?
– The conference confirmed the willingness of participating countries to deepen cooperation within the framework of the new C6 format. It is also safe to say that leading analysts and experts from CA and Azerbaijan, as outlined by the meeting's objectives, strengthened their partnership to achieve strategic goals, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on economic cooperation between the participating countries, their resilience to global risks, and the prosperity of peoples of the region.
– Shiri Akoyliyevich, thank you for your answers.
