The establishment of Baku-Tbilisi-Ankara-Sofia cooperation platform would boost the regional cooperation in a wider Black Sea region, with further strengthening trade, economic and investment ties, and advancing collaboration in transport and communications through regional transportation network development.
Debunking dominant theories of small-state foreign policy, which argue that domestic and international constraints significantly limit small states’ options, forcing them to prioritize physical security and regional concerns, Azerbaijan has demonstrated remarkable activism in its foreign policy as a key player in solving and providing important regional issues. In recent years, Azerbaijan has demonstrated principled and innovative leadership, as evidenced by its chairmanship within a number of global and regional platforms, including Non-Aligned Movement and UNCCC COP29.
Amid challenging times for Europe, Azerbaijan has emerged as a pan-European gas supplier and a reliable partner, a role that reflects only part of its broader strategic engagement. The country has also established itself as a key regional transportation hub, capitalizing on multimodal infrastructure projects developed in recent years. Azerbaijan’s long-term vision has proven successful, including developing of connectivity ties and energy supplies between Caspian and Black Sea regions. Currently constituting an important element of the Belt and Road Initiative the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor passing the territory of Azerbaijan has become a practical alternative for European countries seeking to bypass the Northern Corridor.
Azerbaijan’s success is also driven by its innovative approach to foreign policy, which includes small-group cooperation platforms designed to enhance regional stability, economic connectivity, and security. These mechanisms bring together Azerbaijan and regional countries, fostering dialogue, infrastructure development, trade, and broader cooperation.
In this regard the establishment of Baku-Tbilisi-Ankara-Sofia cooperation platform would boost the regional cooperation in a wider Black Sea region, with further strengthening trade, economic and investment ties, and advancing collaboration in transport and communications through regional transportation network development.
This format would pave the way to fully unlocking the potential in such areas as logistics, infrastructure, communications, digitization and green energy transition. It will also emphasize the shared goal by the countries of enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor. All four countries are adherent to developing reginal transportation infrastructure along the Middle Corridor, advancing digitalization and facilitating trade flow.
Bulgaria stands to benefit from the enhanced cooperation with Azerbaijan, particularly in the development of transportation and connectivity ties. As a key transit country in Southeast Europe, Bulgaria can leverage improved transport connectivity and trade facilitation along the Middle Corridor to strengthen its role as a gateway between Asia and Europe. The modernization of logistics infrastructure, digitalization of customs procedures, and increased efficiency in cargo transportation can reduce transit times and costs for goods passing through Bulgaria.
Additionally, stronger bilateral economic ties could open new opportunities for Bulgarian businesses in trade, investment, and energy cooperation, particularly in areas such as logistics, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. By advancing cooperation with the evolving Azerbaijan which became a transport hub in Eurasia, Bulgaria can enhance its strategic position in regional and global supply chains, boosting its economic growth and trade competitiveness.