Recent months have witnessed a surge of diplomatic engagement across the Caspian region. Notably, the European Union–Central Asia Summit held in Samarkand underscored this momentum, with the EU committing approximately $13.2 billion to enhance regional infrastructure. Coupled with intensified dialogue in the South Caucasus, these developments have created significant opportunities for deeper cooperation. At the same time, growing global interest in the region’s substantial critical mineral resources has elevated its strategic importance on the geopolitical stage.

The Caspian Policy Center is proud to host leading experts from the region and covering the region to unpack recent developments and discuss what concrete steps key outside actors such as the United States can take to help deepen further engagement with the region. This expert panel will explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the Caspian region and the United States, examine prospects for greater regional cooperation, and assess the broader implications of these evolving dynamics for the region’s future.  

10:00 am – 10:05 am

Opening Remarks

Efgan Nifti, Chief Executive Officer, Caspian Policy Center

10:05 am – 11:30 am

Moderated Discussion and Q&A

Moderated by Dr. Eric Rudenshiold, Senior Fellow, Caspian Policy Center

• Amb. Alim Bayel, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan
• Dr. Fariz Ismailzade, Member of Parliament and Vice Rector, Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA) 
• Amb. Matthew Klimow, Advisory Board Member, Caspian Policy Center, Former Ambassador of the United States to Turkmenistan
• James Sharp, Advisory Board Member, Caspian Policy Center, Former Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan
• Brianne Todd, Professor of the Practice of Central Asian Studies, Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA) [TBC]
• Amb. Javlon Vakhabov, Managing Director, International Institute for Central Asia, Former Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the United States