Erdoğan backs Zangezur Corridor as bridge to Turkic world

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has hailed the planned Zangezur Corridor as a crucial step towards strengthening ties across the Turkic world and promoting peace and connectivity in the South Caucasus.

Erdoğan expressed optimism over the evolving dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia, saying Ankara is monitoring the process closely, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Speaking on the prospects of peace in the South Caucasus, Erdoğan said: "We now wish to see not conflict, but peace and stability in the South Caucasus. A lasting peace in the region will benefit everyone."

"We are pleased to see signs of a possible peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. We are closely following the process and making the necessary contributions," he said.
"Any peace that is achieved will be valuable not only for Azerbaijan and Armenia, but also for our country."

The President noted that Türkiye is engaged in a cautious normalisation process with Armenia and believes that both countries stand to gain from a successful outcome. He stressed there is no room for concern, as the mutual benefits of peace and cooperation would become evident in time.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the Zangezur Corridor, Erdoğan said it is not merely a land link between Nakhchivan and mainland Azerbaijan, but also a wider integration route connecting the Turkic world via Türkiye.

He added that the corridor would bolster regional infrastructure and energy connectivity:
"The opening of this route soon will strengthen both transport and energy infrastructure in the Caucasus."

Erdoğan also urged neighbouring Iran to support efforts aimed at fostering regional peace and development. He said Türkiye hopes Iran will also benefit from what he described as a “win-win” climate.

In closing, the President stated that every new step, gateway, or corridor would not only generate economic value but also help bring regional countries closer together.

By Aghakazim Guliyev