Azerbaijan transported 26,000 tons of Russian cargo to Armenia in transit

Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev has stated that around 26,000 tons of cargo, the bulk of which consists of grain and fertilisers, from Russia have been transported to Armenia in transit via Azerbaijan.

Speaking to the 24th meeting of the Azerbaijan–Russia intergovernmental commission, held in Zangilan, he said lifting the restrictions on transit cargo was a step aimed at strengthening regional trust and developing transport and logistics cooperation, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Mustafayev noted that road freight transport between Azerbaijan and Russia exceeded 5.4 million tons in 2025, marking a 9% year-on-year increase.

He highlighted the upcoming signing of a roadmap on the implementation of the electronic consignment note (e-CMR), saying it would be an important step in the digitalisation of the transport and logistics sector.

The document, he added, will simplify transport procedures and improve transparency and efficiency in cargo flows between the two countries.

The deputy prime minister stressed that Azerbaijan, due to its geographical location, serves as an important transit hub on both the East–West and North–South routes.

“Together with our partners, including the Russian Federation, systematic work is being carried out to modernise and develop infrastructure to bring these corridors to full capacity. Azerbaijan has made significant investments in the development of transport infrastructure on its territory,” he added.

According to him, the North–South International Transport Corridor has confirmed its competitiveness and stable operation under challenging conditions.

He said the corridor is operating reliably and ensuring uninterrupted cargo flows even amid high instability. “In these conditions, the route has demonstrated in practice its viability and competitiveness,” he noted.

Mustafayev emphasised that active work is underway to digitalise the corridor, which will significantly accelerate logistics processes along the entire route.

He also reported positive dynamics in the first two months of 2026, noting a 23% increase in transit transportation volumes. Rail freight grew by 61%, while road transport increased by 13%.

The deputy prime minister added that Azerbaijan is fully fulfilling its obligations under the intergovernmental agreement on the corridor.

Mustafayev further noted that Azerbaijan and Russia have built effective cooperation in the financial sector, reflected in the growing use of national currencies in settlements.

According to him, the share of the Russian ruble in bilateral transactions continues to steadily increase, reaching 42% in exports and 83% in imports within trade operations.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov