"Joint Declaration on the establishment of strategic partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People's Republic of China" was adopted within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit held in Astana. One of the important provisions in the declaration is that the Chinese side welcomes Azerbaijan's efforts to strengthen cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), supports the improvement of Azerbaijan's legal status in the SCO, and welcomes Azerbaijan's participation in BRICS cooperation. 

Will this declaration be positive for Azerbaijan in, especially in economic way? 

Political and economic expert Dr. Mehmud Ul Hassan Khan who expressed these views in his statement to Ednews. He talked about the political and economic potential of BRICS in the world and said that Azerbaijan should do appropriate things to join this organization:

“It is predicted that Azerbaijan will join the BRICS in the future which has great socio-economic, geopolitical and geostrategic importance in the world. Due to its increasing strategic importance, utility, scope and contribution to the world’s GDP, industrialization, connectivity, economic integration and above all formation of multipolar world, the policy makers of Azerbaijan must explore this opportunity and take all possible legal, administrative and structural policy measures to join the BRICS. 

The published reports of the International Monetary Fund  (2024), shows that approximately 45 percent of the world’s population is concentrated with the BRICS member countries. It accounts for 28.7 percent of global GDP and about 20 percent of international trade. Also, the financial resources of the BRICS countries exceed 25 trillion which has great significance for global financial integration.”

The expert said that Azerbaijan is a suitable BRICS country due to its multicultural, peaceful features and natural and geographical conditions:

“Interesting Azerbaijan and BRICS have numerous matching boxes and have unique similarities because both promote multilateralism and inclusiveness, which coincide with the principles of Azerbaijan's foreign policy which is a good omen.

Critical analysis of the national history, economic growth and political role of Azerbaijan reveal that it has made important contributions to global peace and security during its non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council in 2012-2013 and its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement in 2019-2023 vividly reflecting its valuable contributions in the regional peace, stability, harmony, economic globalization, energy security and above all multiculturalism.  

Additionally, it also has made important contributions to the implementation of communication projects such as the East-West and North-South transport corridors, as well as ensuring energy security, intercultural dialogue, and combating climate change. Simply, Azerbaijan's regional leadership role and the fact that it develops its ties with the West on an equal footing are suitable parameters for BRICS.”

Since the BRICS organization does not have any military or political direction, Azerbaijan's role in this organization will also promote the elements of regional and world peace:

“BRICS was formed against the existing unipolar world system; it is not an organization and does not contain any political or military components. So, Azerbaijan's intensive cooperation with the BRICS does not involve any threats or any regional competition in the region. Rather it would further enhance its regional role, connectivity, economic ties, diversification of economy, common security and joint efforts combating terrorism and non-state threats in the days to come. 

The western route of the North-South corridor connecting BRICS countries such as India, Iran and Russia passes through Azerbaijan which supports its strategic designs to join it. 

Hopefully, the expansion of BRICS makes the growth of mutual trade between the countries of the group through the South Caucasus, including Azerbaijan, inevitable which would further enhance its economic, trade, connectivity, investments and green transformation potential in the days to come.”

The adoption of the joint declaration "On the establishment of a strategic partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People's Republic of China" will also increase the economic power of Azerbaijan at the international level:

“Most recently, the leadership of Baku and Beijing adopted a joint declaration On Establishing Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People's Republic of China at the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana.

According to the document, Beijing hails Azerbaijan's ambition to strengthen cooperation in the SCO and supports the legal status of Azerbaijan in the SCO. "Azerbaijan expresses its desire to join the BRICS, and China welcomes Azerbaijan's participation in BRICS cooperation," the declaration said.

Last but not least, China expresses its readiness to actively participate in the construction and use of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor (Middle Corridor), work more closely with Azerbaijan and other countries along the route to jointly facilitate the uninterrupted operation and accelerated development of the southern corridor for China-Europe freight trains and in the opposite direction.”

Farid