Efgan Nifti

This year’s CERAWeek energy conference is especially interesting given global energy situation and geopolitical uncertainties.

U.S. energy firm Gulf Oil is set to enter Uzbekistan with a $150M investment to develop 100 fuel stations nationwide. The project will introduce Western standards, modernize existing infrastructure, and expand transport hubs to support growing regional connectivity.

On behalf of the Caspian Policy Center, we extend our warmest wishes for a joyful and peaceful Nowruz. May this season of renewal bring prosperity, unity, and new opportunities for collaboration across the Caspian region and beyond. 🌱✨

On behalf of the Caspian Policy Center, we extend our warmest wishes on Eid al-Fitr for peace, prosperity, and unity across the Caspian region and beyond. May this holiday bring renewed hope, stronger partnerships, and shared progress. 🌙✨

One of my goals on entering this job almost a year ago was to foster relations with the amazing republics of Central Asia, which are rich in history, culture, and human and natural resources. Under the leadership of @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and @SecRubio, we've exceeded my expectations; there is now deep economic and security cooperation with the region and excellent personal relations. In this context, I was delighted to welcome Abdulaziz Kamilov, Advisor to @president_uz Mirziyoyev, and his distinguished delegation today to discuss shared priorities including counterterrorism, investment, and migration. Very valuable to hear the perspective from this part of the world! 🇺🇸🤝🇺🇿

📅Save the date for the Trans-Caspian Forum 2026 on June 10 at the National Press Club (@PressClubDC) in Washington, DC. Hosted by the @caspiancenter, this year’s forum, “Economic Security through Peace and Durable Partnerships,” will convene senior U.S. and regional government officials, leading experts, and private-sector executives to explore the evolving strategic relationship between the United States and the Greater Caspian region. The Forum will focus on: 🎙️Strategic connectivity and the Middle Corridor 🎙️ Critical minerals and investment opportunities 🎙️Digital transformation and industrial AI 🎙️Energy security, including hydrocarbons, uranium, and next-generation nuclear technologies The full agenda and speaker lineup will be announced in the coming weeks. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for additional details.

The Caspian region is strategically important to the US for two main reasons: 1. Russia has used the Caspian to launch long-range cruise missiles into Ukraine, reinforce its naval presence in the Black Sea, and transport weapons from Iran. 2. The Caspian lies at the center of the Middle Corridor, the trans-Caspian trade route designed to connect Asia and Europe while bypassing Russia and Iran. The US should help strengthen maritime security in the Caspian Sea to prevent Iran and Russia from achieving overwhelming maritime dominance, @LukeDCoffey writes for @caspiancenter. caspianpolicy.org/research/secur…

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are set to sign an intergovernmental agreement to enhance cooperation on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route - The Middle Corridor

Tehran trying to sabotage Trump’s Caspian region peace plan washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/…

I see a lot of people finally learning about the importance of Azerbaijan as a key transit country. @enifti and I coined the term Ganja Gap back in 2018 in a @ForeignPolicy article. A quick glance at a map shows why👇🏻

United States stands in full solidarity with Azerbaijan against these attacks says 🇺🇸 State Department : “The United States strongly condemns the unprovoked drone attack on March 5 by the Iranian regime against the Republic of Azerbaijan, targeting Nakhchivan International Airport and a children’s school, which injured innocent civilians and caused damage to critical civilian infrastructure.  These strikes are a flagrant violation of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and a needless escalation of Iran’s aggression.  The United States stands in full solidarity with Azerbaijan against these threats.  Attacks on the territory of our partners in the region are unacceptable and will be met with resolute U.S. support for those partners.”

.⁦@Turkic_States⁩ foreign ministers meet in Istanbul. Important meeting for consultations as the regional tensions rise.

🇺🇸 reaction to Iranian drone attacks against 🇦🇿

ICYMI from the @caspiancenter event, A New and Expanded Central Asia: C6 Steps for Trans-Caspian Growth: “The Caspian states are no longer passive actors…” — Efgan Nifti (@enifti), CEO of CPC “C6 countries increasingly speak with one voice...”— Khazar Ibrahim (@hazar_khazar), @azembassyus “Connectivity is the key driver of regional growth.” — Magzhan Ilyassov (@KZAmbUS), @KazakhEmbassy "We’re enjoying the highest level of cooperation between the United States and Central Asia..." — Furqat Sidiqov (@FurqatSidiq), @UZEmbassyDC “For decades, Central Asia and the South Caucasus were generally perceived as geopolitical afterthoughts. That era is over. "— Eric Rudenshiold, Sr Fellow, CPC Read the recap: bit.ly/4s2SRQj

🇺🇿🇰🇿🇹🇷🇬🇪 foreign ministers are first to call 🇦🇿 foreign ministry after 🇮🇷 drone attacks into Nakhchivan.

A key part of the White House’s peace initiative between Armenia and Azerbaijan is the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave is a key part of this route. This is why Iran is now targeting Nakhchivan.

1/7. Iran’s war has just come closer to Azerbaijan. Shahed drones launched from Iranian territory struck in and around Nakhchivan airport, only a few kilometres from the border (roughly 10–12 km). Civilians were injured and nearby infrastructure damaged.

Irans’s 🇮🇷 reckless and aggressive behavior against civilian infrastructure in 🇦🇿

Standing room only at the Caspian Policy Center yesterday. It really shows the interest in DC toward the Eurasian heartland. The contrast with the Indo-Pacific and Quad could not be starker.

Engaging panel discussion at @caspiancenter on practical delivery in a New & Expanded Central Asia format. As the region expands to C6, it strengthens its collective geopolitical role and external coordination. As the core land bridge of the Middle Corridor, Kazakhstan is translating this momentum into reliable Eurasian connectivity while deepening our 🇰🇿🇺🇸mutually beneficial strategic partnership.