U.S. diplomat calls for Azerbaijan to join ‘C5+1’ format

Azerbaijan should be included in the “C5+1” format between the United States and the Central Asian countries, former U.S. diplomat and Caspian Policy Center chairman Richard Hoagland said at a Washington event marking the platform’s 10th anniversary.

“I would like to suggest that the C5 format be institutionalized — or perhaps renamed C6, as Azerbaijan is increasingly involved in the C5 meetings,” Hoagland said, as quoted by Trend.

He compared the proposal to the creation of ASEAN and the Baltic Council, saying that formal institutional structures strengthen regional and global influence.

Hoagland noted that Central Asian nations operate in a complex geopolitical environment, balancing ties with Russia, China, Iran and Afghanistan while maintaining partnerships with the EU and the United States.