Azerbaijani MFA: Zangezur Corridor not directed against Armenia’s sovereignty

Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada has reaffirmed that the proposed Zangezur Corridor is not aimed against Armenia’s sovereignty but seeks to promote regional connectivity and cooperation.

“The Zangezur Corridor, linking the East Zangezur region with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, is based on legal grounds and the principles of regional cooperation,” Caliber.Az quotes the spokesperson as saying.

Hajizada recalled that paragraph nine of the trilateral statement signed on November 10, 2020, stipulates the need to ensure unhindered movement between the western part of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan.

“We have repeatedly emphasised that the Zangezur Corridor is not directed against Armenia’s sovereignty,” Hajizada said.

“Its sole purpose is to create free transit communication in accordance with international law and existing agreements. We believe that the corridor will contribute to regional economic integration and expand the network of routes within the framework of the Middle Corridor.”

Hajizada also referred to the outcome of the Washington Summit held on August 8, where the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) initiative was endorsed. The project aims to secure unimpeded transit through the Zangezur Corridor and strengthen regional ties. The joint declaration from the summit underlined the importance of ensuring free communication between Azerbaijan’s mainland and Nakhchivan as part of reopening regional transport links.

According to Hajizada, negotiations on the implementation of the transport infrastructure project — including security guarantees and the establishment of unhindered passage — are ongoing between the United States and Armenia. “It is not yet known when construction will begin,” he said, noting that Azerbaijan has conveyed its position on the matter to both the American and Armenian sides.

Following the Washington Agreements, Azerbaijani and Armenian delegations headed by the deputy prime ministers of both countries conducted reciprocal visits on September 5 to inspect transport routes and infrastructure on each side. “We are interested in the swift opening of this corridor,” Hajizada added.

He also highlighted that the foundation has been laid for a strategically significant 224-kilometre railway linking Kars, Igdir, and Dilucu. “We believe that these projects will expand the region’s logistical potential and further enhance its geostrategic importance,” the Foreign Ministry spokesman concluded.

In an interview with Report, Hajizada noted that the meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and French President Emmanuel Macron in Copenhagen, as well as the ongoing political contacts, have effectively ushered in a new stage in the bilateral agenda.

The ministry representative stated that since the early years of independence, Azerbaijan has been interested in building cooperation with France based on mutual respect.

“It is no coincidence that in 1993, the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, as President of Azerbaijan, made his first official foreign visit precisely to France. Similarly, after being elected head of state in 2003, President Ilham Aliyev also chose France for his first official visit. The regular political dialogue maintained over the years has contributed to the development of broad cooperation between the two countries in the economic and humanitarian spheres,” he said.

Hajizada regretted that France’s actions during and after the 44-day Patriotic War caused serious damage to bilateral relations. In particular, he pointed out that numerous anti-Azerbaijani statements, as well as biased and unrealistic resolutions adopted by the French Senate and National Assembly, had worsened relations. He added that France’s initiatives in the UN Security Council, EU institutions, the Council of Europe and the Francophonie — of which Azerbaijan is not a member — had also had a negative impact.

“Despite the smear campaign against Azerbaijan, our steps and official statements have been purely responsive. We have always kept channels of dialogue open on our part. The meeting between the Presidents of Azerbaijan and France on the sidelines of the EPC Summit in Copenhagen in October was useful for discussing contentious issues that had caused misunderstandings. As a result of that meeting and the ongoing political contacts, a new stage has effectively begun in the bilateral agenda,” Hajizada stressed.

By Aghakazim Guliyev