Türkiye’s ambassador: Zangezur Corridor to boost transport, economic opportunities in Turkic world

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Birol Akgun, has said the signing of the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace deal and the Zangezur Corridor will boost transport and economic opportunities in the Turkic world, with Türkiye strongly supporting these developments.

"Currently, the trade volume between Azerbaijan and Türkiye stands at $6.5 billion. Our goal is to increase this figure to $15 billion within the next 3 to 5 years by accelerating integration efforts," Akgun said, emphasising the growing economic relationship between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

The ambassador also highlighted the importance of the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, underscoring the principle of "one nation, two states" that underpins their cooperation.

He noted Türkiye's critical role in supporting Azerbaijan during the second Karabakh war, solidifying the bond between the two nations. Furthermore, Akgun pointed out the active involvement of Turkish companies in the reconstruction of Karabakh and stressed the significance of fostering deeper economic and cultural cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye.

The Zangezur Corridor is a proposed transport route designed to connect Azerbaijan’s mainland with its exclave, the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, bypassing through Armenia’s Syunik Province. Strongly backed by Azerbaijan and Türkiye, the project is a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving regional connectivity. However, it also remains a highly contentious issue, with Armenia and Iran firmly in opposition. The corridor is further entangled in broader geopolitical dynamics involving Russia and other global players. The envisioned forty-three-kilometer corridor would traverse Armenia’s Syunik region, serving as a vital connection between Horadiz in Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan. 

By Naila Huseynova