Expert: Azerbaijan-Armenia freight train via Georgia shows regional peace progress

The dispatch of the first freight train carrying petroleum products from Azerbaijan to Armenia via Georgia represents a tangible result of peace and cooperation processes in the region, former head of the Georgian Presidential Administration and political analyst Petre Mamradze said.

During an interview with Report, he noted that the event reflects the goodwill of the Azerbaijani government and President Ilham Aliyev personally. Mamradze emphasised that, despite long-standing challenges in Azerbaijani-Armenian relations, constructive progress is now being made.

“For many years, Azerbaijan–Armenia relations were far from desirable. Today, despite all difficulties, it has been possible to steer relations in this direction, and the process is developing step by step. Behind this stand clear political will and purposeful actions, which can only be welcomed,” Mamradze said.

Analyst added that until recently, the transit of Azerbaijani petroleum products to Armenia through Georgia seemed impossible. “Today, however, it is a reality. All relevant documents have been signed, and the Georgian government allowing that cargo to pass free of charge, without any transit tariffs, is extremely positive,” Mamradze noted.

Addressing claims about allegedly high transit fees, he stressed that such assertions are inaccurate. “This clearly shows that the three nations - Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia - can create a model of exemplary and mutually beneficial cooperation,” Mamradze said.

He believes that exporting petroleum products from Azerbaijan to Armenia could mark the beginning of economic and trade ties between the two countries and open new opportunities for regional cooperation, including for Georgia, expressing hope for further expansion of joint projects.

By Jeyhun Aghazada