Türkiye, Azerbaijan mobilize to open Zengezur Corridor to connect with Central Asia

While corridor runs through a territory controlled by Armenia, the project is seen by Azerbaijan and Türkiye route to connect with Central Asia

BAKU, Azerbaijan (MNTV) – The Zangezur Corridor, a 43-kilometer land passage along Armenia’s border with Iran, is emerging as a key transportation route linking Azerbaijan and Türkiye with the Turkic belt in Central Asia. 

The corridor holds the potential to transform the South Caucasus into a crucial transit hub for Eurasia, fostering economic growth, regional cooperation, and enhanced connectivity.

Azerbaijan’s leadership, under President Ilham Aliyev, has prioritized infrastructure development to position the country as a key player in East-West and North-South trade corridors. 

Experts say the  Zangezur Corridor is a significant step in this vision, complementing Azerbaijan’s existing connectivity projects such as the Baku International Sea Trade Port and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway.

The Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, envisions this corridor to his country’s economic and diplomatic advantage, which often outrages Iran. 

The 2023 conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno Karabakh, supported by Türkiye, helped Azerbaijan retain control of the region.

The ability to transport energy to Nakhchivan strengthens Azerbaijan’s presence in international energy markets and introduces a strategic shift in regional energy geopolitics. 

Beyond economic advantages, the Zangezur Corridor plays a vital role for Azerbaijan and Türkiye in fostering regional stability and cooperation, at the expense of regional powers. 

Armenia’s reluctance to embrace the corridor remains a challenge. 

However, the integration of all stakeholders into this project would avert any political and economic fallouts, and bring significant economic and diplomatic benefits, fostering a collaborative future in the South Caucasus.