Zangezur corridor to minimise mutual distrust between Azerbaijan and Armenia
Turkish pundits on Caliber.Az

INTERVIEWS  12 October 2023 - 14:59

Türkiye expects Armenia to pursue a policy based on reason and reality aimed at peace, security and prosperity. This was stated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in his address to the nation after the Cabinet meeting. He noted that Türkiye is ready to develop relations with Yerevan step by step if the latter fulfils its promises regarding the opening of the Zangezur corridor.

This is a very interesting point. In recent months, whenever the Turkish side talks about the potential restoration of good neighbourly relations with Armenia, they never do without mentioning the Zangezur corridor. Ankara makes sure to add that it hopes that Yerevan will take this step and open this path along the Araz River. Why is Türkiye so interested in this? This is very important for Azerbaijan since the shortest route to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic runs through Zangezur.

Besides, Türkiye, in principle, still has a railway connection with Azerbaijan along the Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku line. Or is it very important for Türkiye to then complete the road from Nakhchivan to Igdir and get another railway line to Baku? What is behind these frequent reminders to the Armenian side that it would be nice to start resolving the issue of the Zangezur corridor?

These questions were answered by the experts of the brotherly country to Caliber.Az.

Turkish political scientist, doctor of political sciences, professor Haydar Cakmak noted that the opening of the Zangezur line is very important for Türkiye.

"Because, firstly, it opens a direct road with the Turkic world, secondly, transport between Nakhchivan and the western regions of Azerbaijan is reduced, thirdly, Turkish exports to Central Asia are now carried overland through Iran, and Türkiye becomes dependent on Iran, which charges a lot of money for the transit of each lorry. Iran has an advantage on its routes and can block these transports. Iran is also unfriendly to Azerbaijan and Türkiye, and it is unwise to depend on such a country," Cakmak says.

For his part, Ikbal Durre, a political scientist from Türkiye, PhD in history, expert on the Middle East, associate professor of the Department of Foreign Regional Studies at Moscow State Linguistic University, believes that there are "three in one".

"It is important economically, politically and strategically. But the thing is that in all these senses it will partly serve Armenia too. Iran, of course, does not need it the most - for the same reasons that others need it.

The Zangezur corridor will ease access of Central Asian and South Asian countries to European markets and contribute to increased regional trade and economic growth. In this context, the region's energy resources can be transported through this corridor and delivered to European markets. That is, from an economic point of view, the Zangezur Corridor can play a strategic role in revitalising trade and transport in the region.

From a strategic security viewpoint, the Zangezur corridor increases Baku's regional power by connecting Nakhchivan with the western regions of Azerbaijan; it will also include Armenia in regional integration. Thus, the corridor can play a role compatible with peaceful solutions and regional cooperation and minimise mutual distrust," Durre said.

Caliber.Az