{"id":58945,"date":"2026-07-22T05:01:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T05:01:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/germany\/58945\/"},"modified":"2026-07-22T05:01:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T05:01:19","slug":"new-phase-in-berlin-baku-relations-why-did-germany-call-azerbaijan-an-island-of-stability-in-the-region","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/germany\/58945\/","title":{"rendered":"New phase in Berlin\u2013Baku relations: Why did Germany call Azerbaijan an Island of stability in the region?"},"content":{"rendered":"

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s visit to Azerbaijan<\/a> and his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev attracted attention not only in terms of bilateral relations but also in the context of Europe’s evolving approach toward the South Caucasus. The political messages delivered during the visit, particularly the characterization of Azerbaijan as an “island of stability in the region,” the emphasis on the strategic nature of bilateral relations, and expressions of support for the peace process, demonstrate that Berlin now views cooperation with Baku through a broader geopolitical prism.<\/p>\n

Baku-based political analyst Tural Ismayilov told News.Az that German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s description<\/a> of Azerbaijan as “an island of stability in the region” is far more than an ordinary diplomatic compliment; rather, it reflects a new geopolitical reality that has emerged in Berlin’s perception of the South Caucasus.<\/p>\n

\"Tural<\/p>\n

Source: political analyst Tural Ismayilov<\/p>\n

According to him, the terminology chosen by heads of state in international relations is never accidental. He said in the case of a country such as Germany, whose political rhetoric is known for its measured and carefully calibrated language, such an assessment should be regarded as recognition of Azerbaijan’s growing regional influence<\/a> and its status as a reliable partner.<\/p>\n

The expert noted that in recent years the South Caucasus has become one of the world’s most sensitive regions, where the interests of major global powers intersect.<\/p>\n

“The Russia\u2013Ukraine war, escalating tensions in the Middle East, concerns over energy security, and the restructuring of international transport routes have further increased the region’s strategic importance,” he said, adding that in such a complex geopolitical environment, Azerbaijan stands out as a country that has maintained domestic stability, sustained economic growth, remained committed to its international obligations, and established reliable partnerships with other states.”It is precisely this reality that is reflected in Germany’s assessment,” he said.<\/p>\n

According to Ismayilov, for many years Berlin approached the South Caucasus primarily through the framework of the European Union’s common policy, but recently, however, Germany has begun viewing its relations with Azerbaijan<\/a> from an independent strategic perspective.<\/p>\n

“One of the principal reasons for this shift is Europe’s energy security. After significantly reducing its dependence on Russian energy resources, Germany’s need for alternative and reliable partners has increased substantially. Azerbaijan is distinguished not only as a natural gas exporter but also by its commitment to long-term contracts, political reliability, and significant investments in energy infrastructure,” he said.<\/p>\n

The expert believes that Steinmeier’s statement should also be interpreted as a political endorsement of this reliability.<\/p>\n

According to the political analyst, another important factor is Azerbaijan’s role in regional diplomacy. “In recent years, Baku has successfully maintained a balanced foreign policy. Azerbaijan has simultaneously developed mutually beneficial relations with the European Union, T\u00fcrkiye, the Central Asian states, China, the Arab countries, and other partners,” he stressed. “This pragmatic policy has transformed the country into a reliable platform for dialogue among various geopolitical blocs. Germany also recognizes that this balanced approach is one of the key pillars of regional stability.”<\/p>\n

In his view, Steinmeier’s remarks also demonstrate that Germany’s approach to the South Caucasus<\/a> has become more pragmatic. “Whereas the region was previously viewed primarily through political and normative lenses, economic security, energy routes, logistics, and transport corridors have now come to the forefront,” he said, adding that this approach objectively enhances Azerbaijan’s strategic importance. “Berlin no longer sees the South Caucasus solely through the prism of conflicts but increasingly regards it as a key geoeconomic region contributing to Europe’s economic security,” Ismayiilov stressed.<\/p>\n

The expert emphasized that the phrase “an island of stability in the region” can also be interpreted as recognition of Azerbaijan’s large-scale infrastructure projects, digital transformation policy, green energy agenda, and active participation in international initiatives. According to him, in today’s world stability is measured not only by security. “A strong economy, resilient state institutions, reliable logistics capabilities, and the potential for international cooperation have also become fundamental indicators of stability,” he said.<\/p>\n

Ismayilov believes that, ultimately, Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s statement indicates the emergence of a new qualitative stage in Germany’s approach towards Azerbaijan.<\/p>\n

“It is not merely an expression of diplomatic courtesy, but an important political message demonstrating Berlin’s recognition of Azerbaijan’s regional leadership, its growing strategic importance for Europe, and its role in shaping the future security architecture of the South Caucasus,” he said.<\/p>\n

In the expert’s opinion, this approach provides a favorable foundation for further deepening Baku\u2013Berlin relations in the coming years and further strengthens Azerbaijan’s status as a reliable partner of Europe.<\/p>\n

\"News<\/p>\n

Source: president.az<\/p>\n

The political analyst believes that the emphasis on the strategic nature of relations between Azerbaijan and Germany demonstrates that bilateral cooperation has already moved beyond the framework of traditional economic ties and acquired a long-term geopolitical and geoeconomic dimension. According to him, what now unites Baku and Berlin is not merely trade and energy cooperation.<\/p>\n

“Against the backdrop of ongoing global geopolitical transformations, both countries increasingly regard each other as reliable and pragmatic partners in the Eurasian region. For this reason, the prospects for the future development of bilateral relations are broad and multifaceted,” he said.<\/p>\n

The expert stated that, first and foremost, the energy sector will remain the main pillar of cooperation. In his view, after minimizing its dependence on Russian energy resources, Germany has placed particular emphasis on diversifying natural gas supplies and alternative energy sources.<\/p>\n

“Azerbaijan has already proven itself as a reliable energy supplier to Europe. However, future cooperation will not be limited to natural gas exports alone. The Caspian Sea’s vast renewable energy potential, particularly wind energy projects, green hydrogen production, and electricity exports to Europe, will shape new directions in Baku\u2013Berlin cooperation,” he said. adding that Germany’s advanced technologies in these fields can make a significant contribution to Azerbaijan’s green energy strategy.<\/p>\n

According to him, the second major area of cooperation is transport and logistics. In recent years, shifts in global trade routes have significantly increased the importance of the Middle Corridor. He said as a key link in this corridor, Azerbaijan is becoming a strategic transit hub connecting Europe with Central Asia and China. Germany, as an export-oriented economy, has a strong interest in secure, efficient, and stable logistics routes.<\/p>\n

“In this context, the Port of Baku, the Baku\u2013Tbilisi\u2013Kars railway, the prospective Zangezur Corridor, and Azerbaijan’s modern transport infrastructure are of strategic importance to German,” he said.<\/p>\n

The political analyst believes that Germany’s interest in logistics, transportation, and infrastructure projects will continue to grow in the coming years.<\/p>\n

Ismayilov stated that there is also considerable potential for expanding cooperation in industry and high technologies, describing Germany as one of the world’s leading industrial powers, possessing extensive expertise in innovation, mechanical engineering, automation, digital technologies, and Industry 4.0 solutions.<\/p>\n

“Azerbaijan, meanwhile, has identified economic diversification and the development of the non-oil sector as strategic priorities. In this regard, the participation of German companies in industrial parks, free economic zones, and the high-tech sector could generate mutually beneficial outcomes for both sides,” he said, adding that the Alat Free Economic Zone has the potential to become a new manufacturing and export platform for German investors.<\/p>\n

The expert noted that another promising area of cooperation is education, science, and vocational training, noting that Germany’s dual vocational education system is widely regarded as one of the most successful models in the world.<\/p>\n

“As Azerbaijan advances its industrialization and digital economy strategy, the demand for highly skilled human capital continues to grow, hte expert said. Therefore, he added, expanding cooperation with German universities, research institutions, and vocational education centers will become one of the key elements of the future strategic partnership. In his opinion, investments in human capital constitute the most sustainable foundation for long-term cooperation.<\/p>\n

@@@@@@<\/p>\n

According to the political analyst, the reconstruction of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur also presents new economic opportunities for German companies. Germany’s advanced expertise in smart cities, smart villages, green energy, environmentally sustainable construction, water management, waste recycling, and digital infrastructure aligns closely with Azerbaijan’s large-scale reconstruction programs. As the number of joint projects in these areas increases, bilateral economic relations will acquire an even stronger institutional foundation.<\/p>\n

Tural Ismayilov believes that political cooperation has also entered a new phase. In his view, Germany now regards Azerbaijan not merely as an energy partner but as an important actor in terms of Europe’s economic security, the development of the Middle Corridor, and regional stability. This approach is expected to intensify the strategic dialogue between Baku and Berlin while increasing the number of high-level reciprocal visits and economic forums.<\/p>\n

The expert stressed that the future of Azerbaijan\u2013Germany relations will not be confined to energy cooperation alone. Green energy, logistics, the digital economy, industry, innovation, education, high technologies, and investment are set to become the principal pillars of the strategic partnership in the years ahead. According to him, this model of cooperation will serve both Germany’s economic interests and Azerbaijan’s growing position as a regional economic hub, elevating bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level.<\/p>\n

Political analyst Tural Ismayilov stated that following Germany’s decision to abandon Russian energy resources, Azerbaijan has evolved from being merely an alternative gas supplier into a strategic partner for Berlin. According to him, Germany had built its economic model for many years on inexpensive Russian gas, with the Nord Stream projects serving as one of the key pillars of that policy. However, geopolitical developments demonstrated that dependence on a single source of energy supply creates serious strategic risks. Consequently, Berlin has elevated the diversification of energy sources to the level of a national security priority, and in this context Azerbaijan has emerged as a politically reliable partner committed to long-term cooperation.<\/p>\n

The expert noted that Azerbaijan’s advantage is not limited solely to the volume of its energy resources. Over the past two decades, billions of dollars have been invested in the country’s energy infrastructure, resulting in the development of a strategic pipeline network that provides direct access to European markets. The Southern Gas Corridor, TANAP, and TAP have already become integral components of Europe’s energy architecture. This infrastructure is not merely a means of transporting natural gas but is also regarded as one of the political guarantees of Europe’s energy security.<\/p>\n

According to him, Azerbaijan’s consistent fulfillment of all its energy commitments in a timely manner and in full is of particular importance to Berlin. In today’s system of international relations, the reputation of being a reliable partner is as important as the size of a country’s energy reserves. Despite complex regional developments, Azerbaijan has maintained uninterrupted energy exports, which represents a significant advantage for an industrial economy such as Germany’s.<\/p>\n

The political analyst emphasized that future cooperation will not be limited to natural gas. As the global green transition accelerates and the European Union advances its carbon neutrality agenda, Azerbaijan is making substantial investments in harnessing the Caspian Sea’s wind energy potential, producing green hydrogen, and developing renewable energy projects. Germany, meanwhile, is among the world’s technological leaders in these fields. Therefore, green energy technologies, the hydrogen economy, and electricity exports to Europe could become some of the principal directions of Baku\u2013Berlin relations in the future.<\/p>\n

Tural Ismayilov believes that German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s congratulations to President Ilham Aliyev on the progress achieved in the peace process with Armenia reflect Berlin’s political support for the South Caucasus in its post-conflict phase. In his opinion, Germany seeks to see the region’s future shaped by cooperation rather than confrontation, and the fact that the congratulations specifically focused on progress in the peace process demonstrates that Berlin views political dialogue as the principal instrument for ensuring regional stability.<\/p>\n

\"TV<\/p>\n

Source: caliber.az<\/p>\n

The expert stated that one of the key factors shaping Germany’s position is the South Caucasus’ growing role in Europe’s security architecture. The region is no longer significant solely in political terms; it has also acquired special importance for Europe because of its energy routes, international trade, and transport connectivity. For this reason, Berlin views the signing of a peace agreement not only as the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia but also as a development that serves Europe’s broader strategic interests.<\/p>\n

According to him, the German President’s congratulations may also be interpreted as recognition of Azerbaijan as one of the leading parties in the peace process. Berlin is demonstrating that every step forward in the region is of great importance for long-term security. The position of Germany\u2014one of the European Union’s leading member states\u2014is closely watched by other European capitals and could contribute to improving the investment climate and expanding economic cooperation projects in the future.<\/p>\n

The political analyst noted that the meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier should not be viewed merely as a bilateral diplomatic engagement. In his opinion, the meeting reflects Germany’s emerging priorities in the South Caucasus and Azerbaijan’s place within that policy. As the economic locomotive of the European Union and one of the countries that exerts significant influence on shaping the bloc’s foreign policy, Germany’s evolving relationship with Azerbaijan will also have an impact on the future development of Baku’s relations with the European Union as a whole.<\/p>\n

The expert stressed that the European Union’s approach to the South Caucasus has changed in recent years. Whereas the region was previously viewed primarily through the lens of security and conflict, economic cooperation, energy security, transport connectivity, and regional integration have now moved to the forefront. This shift has elevated Azerbaijan’s role to a new level, with Baku increasingly recognized as one of the key actors ensuring strategic connectivity between Europe and Asia.<\/p>\n

Tural Ismayilov believes that Germany’s continued high-level political dialogue with Azerbaijan will increase the interest of European business circles in the country and create favorable conditions for new investment projects and technological cooperation. Berlin’s increasingly pragmatic approach to the region, its emphasis on economic diplomacy, and its support for multilateral projects could accelerate the South Caucasus’ integration into the global economic system while further strengthening Azerbaijan’s position within the European landscape.<\/p>\n

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