London, UK, April 22, 2025 — “With the cooperation of Caspian littoral states, this region can become a strategic trade corridor between Europe and China,” said Lord David Evans of Watford during the discussion organized by the Caspian Policy Center (CPC) at the House of Lords in London, United Kingdom. The discussion, moderated by CPC Advisory Board Member James Sharp, focused on exploring opportunities for the United Kingdom in the Caucasus and Central Asia, recent developments, potential challenges to deeper cooperation, and the regional implications of increased engagement. CPC delegation included Advisory Board Member James Sharp, Senior Fellow Dr. Eric Rudenshiold, and President Efgan Nifti. The event brought together a wide range of participants, including ambassadors and diplomats of regional embassies in the UK, members of both chambers of the British Parliament, international experts, and media representatives. 

Hosting the event, Member of the House of Lords, Lord David Evans, gave welcoming remarks, highlighting the geopolitical and economic significance of the Trans-Caspian region, likening it to the modern Silk Road. Lord Evans specifically emphasized Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable partner, as well as the Caspian region’s abundance of critical mineral resources.  

In his opening remarks, President of CPC Efgan Nifti underlined the region’s growing diplomatic engagement. “During COP29, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan signed an agreement on alternative energy cooperation. Plans for a submarine cable to transmit electricity to Europe via Georgia are also notable,” he noted, adding that the United Kingdom already has established economic ties in the region and sees potential for deeper collaboration. 

CPC’s Senior Fellow Dr. Eric Rudenshiold stated that a "modern era of exploration" is underway across the region, driven by significant advancements in connectivity and infrastructure. “Over the past three years, the Middle Corridor—the Trans-Caspian transport route—has been developed from the ground up,” he remarked. “Today, this corridor is actively facilitating trade between Asia and Europe, with global logistics companies such as Japan’s Maersk already utilizing the route. What was once a strategic vision has now become an operational reality.”  

Following the opening remarks, CPC Advisory Board Member James Sharp introduced the ambassadorial panel, which included remarks from the Ambassadors of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan to the UK.  

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Elin Suleymanov, highlighted recent strides in regional cooperation, noting that enhanced connectivity is developing organically from within the region. He welcomed progress in normalization efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing the value of direct dialogue and regional ownership in resolving disputes. As a positive example, he referenced a recent trilateral meeting in Georgia involving the deputy foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. “Projects that overlook the roles of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Georgia cannot succeed,” he stated, noting that any route from Europe to Central Asia inevitably passes through Azerbaijan. He added that the UK can play a role in advancing the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor in cooperation with Azerbaijan and Türkiye. 

Türkiye’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Osman Koray Ertaş, echoed the growing international focus on the region, noting its rising prominence on the Western agenda. “Türkiye has long championed the development of the Trans-Caspian corridor, and current geopolitical conditions now support meaningful progress,” he stated. “Recent gas supply agreements and infrastructure initiatives clearly demonstrate this momentum.” 

Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ravshan Usmanov, highlighted Uzbekistan’s strategic position at the heart of Central Asia, emphasizing its commitment to a regional approach in addressing shared challenges. He also underscored Uzbekistan’s collaboration with Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Georgia on advancing energy and connectivity initiatives across the Caspian Sea. 

Ambassador of Armenia to the UK Varuzhan Nersesyan emphasized that the region needs long-term peace, where all the countries are connected by active economic, political, and cultural ties. In this regard, he spoke on the Crossroads of Peace initiative by his government to unblock all transportation and communication links in the region. 

Bauyrzhan Nurbalin, Counsellor for Political Affairs at the Embassy of Kazakhstan to the UK, emphasized the region’s readiness for international cooperation. He highlighted the European Union’s recent efforts to strengthen connectivity in the Caspian region through initiatives such as the Global Gateway. 

Senior Counsellor of Georgia’s Embassy to the United Kingdom Nunu Mosiashvili reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to dialogue and active engagement in the development of the Trans-Caspian corridor.  

The discussion concluded with closing remarks from James Sharp, who underscored the importance of strategic partnerships and cooperative solutions to enhance energy and connectivity cooperation across the Caspian region, benefiting both the United Kingdom and the regional countries.