Zangezur Corridor Will Connect Nakhchivan Exclave with Azerbaijan and Serve Trade Relations: Bayramov

According to Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, the restoration of communications is "a beneficial situation for the entire region and will enhance the importance of the broader geography of the Black Sea."

“In accordance with the trilateral statement, with the cessation of the armed conflict, Azerbaijan entered a phase of post-conflict recovery, reconstruction, and reintegration. Continuing activities aimed at peace, recovery, reconstruction, and the return of internally displaced persons is an absolute priority for Azerbaijan,” Bayramov stated at the 43rd meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation.

The Azerbaijani diplomat reiterated the term "Zangezur Corridor," noting that it will not only connect the Nakhchivan exclave with Azerbaijan but will also serve existing trade and transportation ties.

“The resolution of the conflict simultaneously opens up new perspectives for regional cooperation, development, and progress. The joint statement of November 10 [9], 2020, concluded with the trilateral statement of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia on January 11, 2021, which envisages the opening of communications in the region. The implementation of these measures will significantly change the landscape of a key part of the BSEC region—the South Caucasus. The Zangezur Corridor, which is a new connecting zone between Azerbaijan and Turkey, will not only connect the isolated exclave of Nakhchivan with Azerbaijan after nearly thirty years but will also facilitate existing trade and transportation ties,” Bayramov said.

According to him, strengthened regional cooperation "can contribute not only to development." He added, "Initiatives in the field of transport, communication, and trade will allow us to take advantage of new partnerships and opportunities. Enhanced regional cooperation can not only facilitate development but also create economic levers that will reduce the risk of military outbreaks in the region and strengthen peace and stability,” noted the Azerbaijani foreign minister.

Since the ceasefire established by the trilateral statement in November, Azerbaijan has continuously declared that "the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is resolved." However, the OSCE Minsk Group, which is conducting an international mediation mission in the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, has repeatedly called for the resumption of negotiations on the regulation of the conflict. Writes Haraber.