Undergoing a period of profound transformation, Central Asian states are embracing a C6 Trans-Caspian rethink. Avaza Summit will be the first formal consultative summit since Azerbaijan joined the format as a full participant in November 2025. This change signals a new phase of regional cohesion and strategic integration. Together with major energy, transit, and connectivity initiatives expanding the Middle Corridor, these developments are accelerating progress toward greater regional stability, sovereignty, and connectivity, as well as deeper global engagement.

 

The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host leading experts from the region and covering the region to unpack recent developments and discuss outcomes of the historic Avaza Summit, as well as what concrete steps key outside actors such as the United States can take to help deepen further engagement with the region. This expert panel will explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the Caspian region and the United States, examine prospects for greater regional cooperation, and assess the broader implications of these evolving dynamics for the region’s future.  

 

9:00 – 9:15 AM EDT
 

Opening Remarks

• Efgan Nifti, Chief Executive Officer, Caspian Policy Center

 

9:15 – 10:30 AM EDT 

 

Moderated Discussion and Q&A

Moderated by Dr. Eric Rudenshiold, Senior Fellow, Caspian Policy Center

 

• Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Center for Analysis of International Relations and Multiculturalism (AIR Center), Azerbaijan
• Zhandos Shaimardanov, Director, Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KAZISS)
• Javlon Vakhabov, Managing Director, International Institute for Central Asia (IICA), Uzbekistan
• Senior Think Tank Representatives from Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic