New Agreements Advance Central Asia’s Middle Corridor Ambitions

The leaders of the five Central Asian states and Azerbaijan, meeting on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul in Kyrgyzstan on July 31, signaled an intent to deepen trans-Caspian connections. The meeting’s final document, known as the Cholpon-Ata Declaration, was perhaps more symbolic than substantive, reaffirming participants’ desire to expand trade and maintain regional security. The document “reflects the high level of trust among Central Asian states and the Republic of Azerbaijan, their commitment to the principles…