In recent years, Azerbaijan has confidently become one of the key centers of strategic dynamics in the South Caucasus. The country not only maintains a balance between major global players, but also actively seeks new opportunities for the development of technology, energy and infrastructure, forming its own path of sustainable growth. Against the backdrop of increasing interest from the United States and the European Union, issues of cooperation in high-tech areas, security and the green economy are becoming particularly relevant. The expansion of bilateral and multilateral projects opens up opportunities to strengthen regional stability and to enhance the country's role in the global economic and technological system. At the same time, strategic initiatives contribute to the long-term development of the South Caucasus and create conditions for the integration of Azerbaijan into modern international value chains.

Robert Mason, an associate professor at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (UAE), an employee of the NATO Observatory, and a non-resident researcher at the Arab Gulf Institute in Washington, answers AZERTAC’s questions.

- Following the signing of the Charter Strategic Partnership between Azerbaijan and the United States, how do you see relations developing in new areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure? What prospects does this open for expanding economic and technological cooperation?

- It’s an important marker in building regional connectivity and helping to resolve long-standing territorial disputes. The bilateral agreement between the US and Azerbaijan was signed back in August 2025 at the White House. Cooperation on AI and digital infrastructure, including with tech leaders such as Microsoft, Google and Amazon web services, has a role to play in enhancing economic growth and improving the business climate between the two counties into 2026 and beyond. This could be through optimizing energy systems, managing transport corridors and/or strengthening Azerbaijan's position as a digital hub, alongside other areas such as trade, energy and physical infrastructure.

- The visit of US Vice President JD Vance to Baku was an important diplomatic event. How do you assess the significance of such visits for building trust and strategic dialogue between Azerbaijan and Washington?

- I think high-level visits such as this are important for substantive and symbolic reasons. It confirms intent, builds personal relations, and maintains momentum on energy and on infrastructure, such as the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity”.

- The United States has expressed interest in strengthening cooperation on security and defense. How does this influence the perception of Azerbaijan as a stable partner in the region and contribute to its role in the international security architecture?

- There are clearly different dimensions to this. On the one hand, there has been close counterterrorism cooperation between the US and Azerbaijan for some time. Defence sales could blossom as part of the latest deal. But it’s Azerbaijan’s geostrategic location that is potentially most critical at the systemic level because of the new connectivity role it could play between Europe and Asia. Washington clearly sees an opportunity to expand relations in the region.

- The dialogue between Azerbaijan and the EU has noticeably intensified, and EU representatives are emphasizing the potential for joint sustainable development projects. Which areas would you consider the most promising for bilateral cooperation, given the EU's experience in the green economy?

- Guided by the EU-Azerbaijan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement that has been in effect since 1999, bilateral cooperation has traditionally rested on the EU being a leading investor in Azerbaijan and its largest trade partner. Trade ties (including Azerbaijan’s natural gas exports to the EU) have been expanding since 2022, and there is a memo of understanding to enhance energy cooperation. On the green economy specifically, clean energy cooperation looks promising. Azerbaijan is already attracting foreign investment into large-scale renewable energy projects, joining international efforts to combat methane emissions, and assuming a central role in a future green Caspian hub/green energy corridor. More state support to boost the energy transition could enhance bilateral cooperation further.

- The EU views Azerbaijan as an important partner in energy and sustainable infrastructure. What positive global trends do you see in these areas, and how can they be used to deepen cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan?

- Certainly, regional connectivity looks set to continue, whether through linked power grids with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan or the aforementioned corridors. Should Azerbaijan continue to decarbonize its economy, it will be even better placed to benefit from green energy exports.

- Azerbaijan consistently implements a multi-vector foreign policy. How do you think strengthening cooperation with the US and the EU can contribute to the stability and development of the South Caucasus?

- Already, it has paid dividends in terms of resolving conflict and building bridges between Europe and Asia. Stability and development go beyond foreign policy orientation and include aspects such as governance and security guarantees. Therefore, a balancing strategy can and often is the best course, so long as the results continue to accumulate and advance the state in a more prosperous and secure trajectory.