BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The countries of
the South Caucasus can achieve great results, either individually
or collectively, by identifying their existing capabilities and
potential, a partner and head of the Europe and Eurasia practice at
the U.S. firm DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group, Philip Reeker, said
at the CAMCA regional forum held in Baku on Thursday, Trend's correspondent reports
from the event.


He noted that one of the main priorities for the countries in
the region should be to accurately identify existing opportunities
and assess the potential for joint action.


“When it comes to competitiveness and transport accessibility,
including the Middle Corridor, I think first and foremost we need
to determine: what else can be done individually or as a group,
that is, together, by the three countries of the South Caucasus, in
addition to the resources we can offer today, such as rare earth
elements, metals, hydrocarbons, and gold?” Philip Reeker said.


According to him, although in the long term it may be possible
to unite Central Asia and the Caucasus within the framework of a
broader infrastructure and a larger economic space, at this stage
it makes sense to start with cooperation on a smaller scale.


“We can think big, talk about Central Asia and the Caucasus,
about larger-scale infrastructure and a broader context. But I
think that’s too ambitious right now. So we can start on a smaller
scale,” he said.


Philip T. Reeker emphasized that another important priority is
mutual learning among countries and strengthening their
capacity.


“First and foremost, we need to identify our needs and our own
capabilities. The second priority is how we can learn from one
another and how we can strengthen one another. To do this, we need
to come together, develop an appropriate mechanism, bring it up for
discussion at the forum, and then make decisions and take action.
Discussions alone are not enough,” Reeker said.


He noted that the factors of sovereignty, transportation
accessibility, and prosperity are of particular importance for the
region’s future development.


“I want to return to three words: sovereignty, the connections
it creates, and the prosperity it generates. I think three points
are fundamental for all governments. First and foremost, we must
accept geography. This is directly linked to sovereignty and
territorial integrity,” Philip Reeker noted.


According to him, each country in the region possesses
sovereignty and territorial integrity and must make decisions based
on national interests, rather than relying solely on the positions
of major powers.


“Each of you possesses your own sovereignty and territorial
integrity. You are recognized by the world, and you make your own
choices. These choices should not be based solely on the
perceptions of capitals such as Beijing, Moscow, and Washington, or
even Brussels, but should first and foremost take into account your
own interests and perspectives,” he emphasized.


P. Reeker stated that countries should have greater confidence
in these opportunities, turning their geographic location into the
development of ties, and those ties into economic prosperity.


“We need to further strengthen this confidence, be confident in
what you have achieved, and turn geography into connections, and
connections into prosperity. It is important to think more broadly.
This requires time and letting go of some outdated notions, as well
as thinking in line with the new situation you have created,”
Reeker added.


He highlighted the importance of the peace process between
Armenia and Azerbaijan in terms of regional development and the
creation of new economic opportunities.


“The peace process is crucial to this. During my work on the
peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, we clearly saw these
opportunities. There was leadership willing to achieve peace. For
many years, many people said it was impossible. Attempts were made
to resolve the issue through various frameworks and international
organizations, but no results were achieved. Instead, we saw two
leaders who, in our view, could work together,” Philip T. Reeker
said.


According to him, the peace ceremony held at the White House on
August 8, 2025, with the participation of the leaders of Azerbaijan
and Armenia, had great symbolic significance for the region.


“Frankly speaking, the signing ceremony held at the White House
on August 8, 2025, had great symbolic significance not only for
Azerbaijan and Armenia and their peoples, but also for the region
as a whole,” Reeker noted.


Reeker stated that the countries of the region must take
advantage of the new opportunities that have opened up for them,
and to do so, they must demonstrate political will and
confidence.


“I think people need to pay attention to these opportunities for
progress. These opportunities must be seized. It’s a matter of
leadership and confidence in the ability to move forward. And when
you unite, you create synergy that will lead you to a bright
future,” he added.