The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by President Xi Jinping in the autumn of 2013, has become one of the most significant economic and strategic projects of the 21st century — one that has reshaped the global infrastructural, trade, and geo-economic landscape. Unlike traditional integration models based on ideological blocs, political confrontation, or power projection, this initiative offers a vision of interconnectedness and pragmatic cooperation, where economics and development form the basis of a new international order.

Editor's note: Seymur Mammadov, a special commentator for News.Az, is the director of the international expert club EurAsiaAz. The article reflects the author’s personal opinion and does not necessarily represent the views of News.Az.

The recent conclusion of Afghanistan’s first-ever conference dedicated to attracting investments into its energy sector marks a symbolic moment for a country that has long been seen primarily through the lens of conflict and instability. Held under the patronage of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), the forum gathered representatives from 22 countries, a turnout that reflects a growing recognition of Afghanistan’s untapped economic potential.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed an order approving the "Cooperation Plan on Joint Promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the People's Republic of China."

On May 21, a high-level delegation led by Arif Agayev, Vice Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), participated in the Global Partners Forum of the "China–Europe (Xi’an) Railway Express."

Colombia signed a Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation plan with China on Wednesday, according to an official statement.

Editor's note: Faig Mahmudov is an Azerbaijan-based journalist. The article expresses the author's personal opinion and may not coincide with the view of News.Az.

Global Times Institute has conducted a survey about China’s development prospect.

The cooperation between Azerbaijan and China continues to develop rapidly, encompassing key strategic directions and opening new opportunities for mutual growth. One of the most significant aspects of this evolving partnership has been the advancement of green energy, a sector both nations have prioritized as part of their long-term strategies. Through various international initiatives, including COP29 and the Belt and Road Forum, Azerbaijan and China have reached new agreements promising to catalyze the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and the implementation of large-scale renewable energy projects. This collaboration is poised to play a transformative role not only in the energy landscape of Azerbaijan but also in contributing to global sustainability goals.

Editor's note: Moses Becker is a special commentator on political issues for News.Az, a PhD in political science and an expert on interethnic and interreligious relations. The article expresses the personal opinion of the author and may not coincide with the view of News.Az.