Paolo von Schirach: Azerbaijan aims to become regional hub in South Caucasus

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev voiced ambitious ideas about the future of the country in his speech at the meeting with participants of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, the president of the Global Policy Institute, professor of political science and international relations at Bay Atlantic University in Washington, Paolo von Schirach, told Report.

"In particular, one can conclude that Azerbaijan aims to become a regional hub in the South Caucasus, which will be a key link for trade, investment, business, tourism and humanitarian exchanges between Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East," said the professor.

Von Schirach noted that he had an excellent opportunity to ask President Aliyev a question during a recent trip to Khankandi - about how he sees the future of the country after the end of the conflict with Armenia. "I understand that there are still many issues to be resolved ahead, but a significant part of the problems are already behind," he emphasized.

According to Schirach, he was particularly interested in Azerbaijan's economic development strategy and the measures taken by the government to attract foreign direct investment.

"Azerbaijan has enormous potential. The restoration of Karabakh opens up significant opportunities for investors who want to contribute to the return of normal life for people affected by years of occupation. But that's not all. President Ilham Aliyev very clearly outlined his vision for the future: the country strives to become a crucial transport, logistics and economic hub connecting East and West. And if stable peace is ensured in the region, this goal is quite achievable. This is an opportunity that everyone will benefit from," emphasized Paolo von Schirach.