Analyst: Opening borders with Azerbaijan to bring significant benefits to Armenia

Analyst and journalist from the UK Onnik Krikorian has said that the opening of borders and the development of mutual trade, including the use of transit routes, would bring significant benefits to both Azerbaijan and Armenia.

In an interview with Report, he commented on the potential of the Zangezur Corridor in fostering economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Caliber.Az reports.

Krikorian recalled an article written by Armenia's current Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, published in 2001, where he highlighted the economic potential of using Armenia as a transit route for goods.

“In 2001, Pashinyan wrote in his newspaper that trade and transit between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, as well as with other countries interested in using this route, could be beneficial for Armenia,” the analyst noted.

He noted that the main challenge for Yerevan remains control over the corridor.

"However, for Pashinyan, the issue lies in control, as he does not want Russian oversight. Like the West, as openly stated by the US, the West also does not want control from China. Unfortunately, this has turned into a geopolitical football, and it may continue for some time," said the journalist. 

He also emphasised that the development of infrastructure for transit corridors in Armenia, including the Zangezur Corridor, will create jobs and attract investments, which in itself is an important step forward.

In the context of launching regional corridors, Krikorian highlighted the importance for Armenia of opening its border with Türkiye. In his view, the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closely tied to the process of resolving the Armenia-Türkiye relations. 

"Ankara and Baku recognize the interconnection of these processes, which could serve as the foundation for further cooperation in the region," the expert added.

By Naila Huseynova