Baku, July 4, 2026 – The Europe Today: Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmet Hajiyev, held talks with renowned American economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs during the latter’s visit to Baku, discussing a range of regional and global issues.
In a statement shared on his X account, Hajiyev described the meeting as an engaging exchange of views on sustainable development, geopolitics, geoeconomics and Azerbaijan’s growing role in regional affairs.
According to Hajiyev, the discussions focused on sustainable development, evolving geopolitical and geoeconomic trends, the broader Caspian region, Azerbaijan’s emergence as a middle power, the country’s peace agenda, and the importance of regional ownership in addressing common challenges.
The two sides also exchanged views on strengthening regional connectivity and promoting dialogue through cooperative initiatives.
Hajiyev praised Professor Sachs’ “Marco Polo – Drive of Peace” initiative, which promotes East-West connectivity through electric vehicle travel, describing it as an inspiring example of fostering peace, dialogue and international cooperation.
The meeting highlighted Azerbaijan’s continued engagement with leading international experts on issues related to sustainable development, regional stability and economic cooperation, while underscoring the country’s commitment to advancing peace and connectivity across the wider Caspian region.
