Middle Corridor trade surges as Central Asia strengthens transport links
Trade along the Middle Corridor is accelerating, opening new opportunities for Central Asia and the South Caucasus as countries strengthen transpor...
Lithuania’s Prime Minister’s visit to Azerbaijan on 9 April signals a deepening strategic dialogue between Baku and European partners. Analysts say economic interests and geopolitical shifts are driving closer engagement.
Speaking to AnewZ, Alexandra Filippenko, political analyst, said that “we assess current relations and we agree to form a stronger cooperation and further expansion,” highlighting growing interest from both Lithuania and the broader European Union.
She emphasised that increasing trade turnover and promoting mutual investments are now key priorities, noting that “the financial part plays the biggest role.”
Filippenko pointed out that Europe is seeking to diversify its partnerships amid shifting global dynamics, adding that “it’s very important to turn to the other side… first of all, of course, to Azerbaijan.”
On Azerbaijan’s regional role, she stressed its strategic position as a bridge between Europe and Central Asia, calling it “very important” for EU member states.
She warned against external influence, stating that Lithuania understands “how important it is not to allow Russia to influence the relations between Azerbaijan and European countries.”

Discussing the role of smaller EU states, the analyst said they are becoming more influential in shaping policy, particularly in NATO and regional cooperation. She added that Azerbaijan is now “a power player not only in the region but internationally.”
She also underlined the importance of connectivity projects, logistics, and cooperation across the South Caucasus and Central Asia, noting that European countries must strengthen partnerships in response to shifting U.S. priorities.
Energy security remains a central issue, with Filippenko stating that Azerbaijan plays “a very big role” in helping Europe diversify energy sources and reduce dependency on Russia.
Finally, she highlighted the importance of cultural and academic ties, stressing that “we cannot say enough about the importance of people to people communications,” as these exchanges are essential for building long-term partnerships.
The gunman who allegedly killed six people in Poland’s unprecedented mass shooting in central Kraków on Saturday has died in hospital, police said early Monday. The attacker had demonstrated advanced military-style marksmanship skills, according to a spokesperson for the shooting club he attended.
Monday marks the second of two days of national mourning in Poland as police bolstered security after six people were killed in a mass shooting in Kraków.
Russia and Ukraine are set to return to Abu Dhabi on Tuesday for a fourth round of U.S.-brokered peace talks, with European participation, security guarantees and territorial disputes expected to shape the negotiations.
Nvidia has launched an independent investigation into whether its chief executive, Jensen Huang, was targeted in a foreign intelligence operation, following allegations that a businesswoman with whom he had a relationship passed information to Beijing.
At least 17 people have been reported killed in an explosion at a steel plant in western Türkiye, after a crane collapsed during maintenance work. The disaster has prompted a criminal investigation into what went wrong at the industrial facility.
Trade along the Middle Corridor is accelerating, opening new opportunities for Central Asia and the South Caucasus as countries strengthen transport links between China and Europe. Cargo volumes reached around 4.7 million tonnes in 2025, up from less than one million tonnes in 2021.
Kazakhstan says the North Aral Sea’s water volume has risen by 24 per cent since 2022, reaching 23.4 billion cubic metres. The figures were unveiled at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, as the country outlined ambitious plans to accelerate restoration.
Israel’s newly elected parliament was sworn in on Tuesday amid political deadlock, with President Isaac Herzog urging lawmakers to avoid another election as Gadi Eisenkot struggles to form a government.
Pakistani and Saudi investors have agreed to launch a private equity fund worth hundreds of millions, with 75 per cent of the money set to be invested in Pakistan, as the two countries strengthen economic ties.
The European Commission has confirmed that Georgian government representatives will not be invited to next week's EU Enlargement Forum in Brussels, while offering Tbilisi lower-level participation in a separate ministerial meeting on connectivity.
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