Zangezur Corridor: Symbol of peace, prosperity, cooperation Article by Daily Sabah

The Turkish Daily Sabah media outlet has published an article on Zangezur Corridor. Caliber.Az reprints some excerpts from the article. 

“The South Caucasus, owing to its geostrategic location and abundant energy resources, has historically attracted the attention of global powers. Following Azerbaijan’s victory in the 2020 Second Karabakh War and the subsequent cease-fire agreement signed on November 10, 2020, a new chapter has begun to unfold in the region.

Article 9 of this agreement introduced the Zangezur Corridor, a strategic transportation route aimed at connecting Azerbaijan’s mainland with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through Armenia’s southern territory. Supported by Türkiye and within the framework of a strategic alliance with Azerbaijan, this project holds the potential to transform not only regional but also global economic and energy dynamics.

And the year 2025 marked a pivotal moment for the Zangezur Corridor. On Aug. 8, 2025, a peace framework [Joint Declaration – ed.] was signed under the auspices of U.S. President Donald Trump, involving Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, envisioning the corridor’s development as the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity.” 

From Türkiye’s perspective, the Zangezur Corridor embodies the ‘one nation, two states’ philosophy, serving as a tangible manifestation of its strategic partnership with Azerbaijan. Furthermore, as a key component of the Middle Corridor, aligned with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it supports Türkiye’s vision of establishing itself as a logistics and energy hub in Eurasia. 

Economic and energy potentials

The Zangezur Corridor, as a critical segment of the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route), offers significant potential for increasing trade volumes. According to the World Bank report, freight volumes along the Middle Corridor are projected to triple by 2030, reaching 11 million tons compared to current levels. 

Trade among Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan is anticipated to rise by 28%, highlighting the Zangezur Corridor’s capacity to strengthen regional economic integration. According to statements by Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, the completion of the corridor is projected to yield TL 147.6 billion ($3.57 billion) for Türkiye over 30 years, with an annual cargo capacity of 15 million tons. This development is poised to accelerate economic growth in Türkiye’s eastern provinces, such as Kars and Iğdır, and enhance its global competitiveness in the logistics sector.

The Zangezur Corridor has the potential to halve travel times by 2030, contingent upon the implementation of infrastructure development plans. This reduction is particularly feasible through the mitigation of delays at border crossings.

The corridor will contribute to revitalizing the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which has been economically isolated under Armenia’s blockade since 1989. Azerbaijan has strengthened the corridor’s infrastructure through the Horadiz-Ağbend highway and railway projects, while Türkiye initiated construction of the Kars-Iğdır-Aralık-Dilucu railway line. 

The World Bank report indicates that Kazakhstan and Georgia have opportunities to enhance their export potential in chemicals. The establishment of transit-oriented hubs, such as in the Almaty region, is projected to handle significant traffic volumes, measured in thousand TEUs, by 2030, further contributing to the regional economic diversification facilitated by the Zangezur Corridor.

Logistics, regional development

Azerbaijan plays a pivotal role in Europe’s energy security. The Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) already transport Azerbaijani gas to Europe via Türkiye. It could enable the development of new energy pipelines through Nakhchivan, consolidating Türkiye’s position as an energy hub. The World Bank reports that the diversification of Kazakhstan’s energy exports – predominantly westward at 62% – via the Middle Corridor offers a strategic advantage for energy security. Amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the Zangezur Corridor provides an alternative route, bolstering logistical resilience.

Increased trade volumes and infrastructure investments are expected to revitalize local economies, contributing to gross domestic product (GDP) growth in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. Türkiye’s eastern provinces will benefit from enhanced trade and tourism. The corridor will also facilitate economic linkages within the Turkic world by improving access to European markets for Central Asian countries, particularly Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

Armenia, historically excluded from regional trade networks due to closed borders with Türkiye and Azerbaijan, could integrate with international trade routes through the Zangezur Corridor. However, Armenia’s politically postured sovereignty concerns pose challenges to the project’s implementation. 

Iran opposes the corridor, citing potential impacts on the Armenia-Iran border, though some Iranian officials argue that its economic benefits could extend to Iran. Türkiye could promote regional cooperation through dialogue with Iran, fostering an inclusive framework for the project’s progress.

Prosperity comes with cooperation

Although the security of the Zangezur Corridor was initially to be managed by Russian border guards, the U.S. involvement through the TRIPP project in 2025 has altered regional security dynamics. As a NATO member, Türkiye supports Azerbaijan’s interests while continuing normalization efforts with Armenia. The corridor could reinforce the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process. Infrastructure investments in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, like Zangilan and Jabrayil, and Armenia’s Syunik region [Zangezur region – ed.] will support local development.

The Zangezur Corridor presents Türkiye with economic, energy and geopolitical opportunities. It positions Türkiye as a logistics and energy hub in Eurasia, strengthens its strategic alliance with Azerbaijan, and contributes to the integration of the Turkic world. 

The Zangezur Corridor is not merely a transportation route but also holds the potential to symbolize peace, prosperity and collaboration in the South Caucasus. Türkiye stands ready to assume the leadership responsibility to realize this vision,” the article reads.