Azerbaijan is solidifying it’s position as a key player in the Caucasus region through deepening relations with Türkiye and Pakistan. This strategic alignment, rooted in shared cultural, past, and geopolitical ties, is fostering a powerful trilateral partnership. The collaboration extends beyond symbolic gestures, translating into concrete advancements in economic, political, and security spheres.

Economic Cooperation: A Flourishing Triad

Trade and investment are central too this trilateral cooperation. Azerbaijan is actively working to enhance economic ties with both Türkiye and Pakistan.

Türkiye: A Robust Economic Partnership

The economic partnership between Azerbaijan and Türkiye remains strong, with trade volumes reflecting a dynamic bilateral relationship.

• In 2024, trade between Azerbaijan and Türkiye reached $6.13 billion.
• While slightly lower than the $7.65 billion in 2023, this figure still represents substantial economic activity.
• The upward trend began in 2021 with $4.66 billion, demonstrating consistent growth.

Both nations aim to reach $15 billion in trade turnover, collaborating on joint infrastructure projects, energy cooperation, and streamlined customs processes to achieve this ambitious goal.

Pakistan: Rapidly Expanding Economic Ties

While trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Pakistan is comparatively modest, it is indeed experiencing rapid growth.

• From $11.7 million in 2021, trade surged to $27 million by 2023, a 2.3-fold increase.

Diplomatic engagement, high-level visits, and newly signed agreements support this momentum, broadening cooperation beyond trade to include sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and defense. Ongoing dialog is creating fertile ground for expanding investment opportunities and joint ventures.

Lachin airport: A Gateway to regional Reintegration

The inauguration of Lachin International Airport marks a significant milestone in azerbaijan’s strategy of national reintegration and regional connectivity. The ceremony was attended by President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip erdoğan, underscoring the deep strategic bond between the two nations. This is the third international airport established in the liberated territories,following Fuzuli and Zangilan.

Lachin Airport is more than a transport hub; it is a gateway to an area that was cut off from its economic, cultural, and developmental potential for decades. Situated in East Zangezur, the airport is expected to catalyze the revival of key sectors such as tourism, trade, and logistics.

The strategic location of Lachin is of particular importance. As a crossroads linking central Azerbaijan to the broader South Caucasus, it has always been vital from a geopolitical viewpoint. Modern infrastructure is being put in place to reintegrate East Zangezur into the national and regional economy.

The region offers unique opportunities for winter and summer tourism, spa and medical tourism, as well as religious and cultural tourism. Its landscape is dotted with archaeological sites, Turkic toponyms, and ancient human settlements, making it attractive for both local and international visitors. The state-of-the-art airport will increase visitor inflows and open new business opportunities, leading to job creation and rural progress.

Lachin Airport is built to international standards, capable of receiving all types of aircraft, including heavy cargo planes. This makes it an significant node in Azerbaijan’s growing transport and logistics network, especially in the context of the Middle Corridor and broader Eurasian connectivity efforts. Cargo terminals, customs zones, and logistical services are being integrated to ensure the airport also serves as a cargo transit hub, facilitating trade between East and West.

Strategic Vision: Diplomacy and Development

Azerbaijan’s approach combines principled foreign policy with forward-looking infrastructure development, shaping a new regional reality. Through strengthened alliances with Türkiye and Pakistan, and transformative projects such as lachin airport, Baku is reinforcing its role as a pivotal actor in the Caucasus and beyond.

This alignment of diplomacy and development not only benefits azerbaijan but also contributes to broader regional stability, cooperation, and prosperity.