Leaders Pashinyan and Aliyev convene at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation gathering

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, held recently, saw key discussions and developments in the Caucasus region. Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, and Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, met and emphasised the need for constructive dialogue, mutual trust, and regional stability.

During the summit, Azerbaijani gas delivery to Syria through Turkey was discussed with Qatar's financial support. This potential agreement could have significant implications for the region's energy sector.

The joint seven-point declaration made between Pashinyan, Aliyev, and US President Donald Trump at the Washington summit was also highlighted. The declaration is expected to contribute positively to the ongoing reconciliation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Aliyev's first meeting at the SCO was with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. They signed a joint declaration on strategic cooperation, establishing a strong foundation for bilateral relations. In addition, a strategic partnership was established between Armenia and China during the SCO summit.

Armenia expressed its desire to join the SCO, and an agreement was reached to deepen cooperation within the framework of the SCO. Pakistan could potentially pave the way for Armenia joining the SCO, as the summit saw the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

India voiced opposition to Azerbaijan and Turkey being involved in the SCO due to their close ties with Pakistan. However, the summit continued to be a platform for discussions and agreements, with Aliyev meeting with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

Aliyev and Erdogan, the President of Turkey, also had a meeting, where they discussed the peace process and the Kars-Iğdır-Dilucu railway lines. Discussions between SOCAR (State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan) and Turkey's BOTAŞ company were held, indicating a focus on strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

In addition to these meetings, Pashinyan had high-profile meetings with the presidents of Russia and Turkey, as well as leaders from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

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Aliyev and Jin Liqun, the Secretary-General of the SCO, agreed to build a production facility for solar panels. This initiative aligns with Azerbaijan's support for China's positions on Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

In conclusion, the SCO summit has brought about changes in the Caucasus region, with key discussions and agreements being made. The focus on regional stability, mutual trust, and economic cooperation is a positive step towards a more peaceful and prosperous future.

Leaders Pashinyan and Aliyev convene at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation gathering