Why it matters:
Reopening economic and transport routes between Armenia and Azerbaijan Rep. could significantly ease regional tensions, foster economic cooperation, and pave the way for broader peace in the South Caucasus. However, the process hinges on Azerbaijan’s agreement, as mutual distrust and unresolved disputes continue to block progress.
The big picture:
The Armenia- Azerbaijan Republic relationship remains fraught with challenges since the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and Azerbaijan’s 2023 military actions. While Armenia has proposed reopening border points and ensuring the safety of Azerbaijani transit, Azerbaijan’s demands for exclusive control over certain corridors complicate negotiations.
Key points:
- Armenia is ready to reopen transport and economic routes if Baku agrees.
- Armenia is ready to guarantee the safety of Azerbaijani cargo transportation through its territory.
- Using Turkish trucks for Azerbaijani goods if Azerbaijani drivers are concerned.
- Armenia proposed starting with railway cargo transportation in specific directions as a first step toward reopening communications.
- In 2022, Armenia proposed opening three border points for Azerbaijani cargo and passenger vehicles, but the plan stalled due to Azerbaijan’s rejection.
What they're saying:
Pashinyan argued that Azerbaijan’s rejection of Armenia’s proposals reflects a lack of willingness to engage constructively: “The opening of all regional economic and transport communications is fully prepared for, and only Azerbaijan’s agreement is needed for its implementation.” He reiterated that Armenia has no intention of outsourcing safety guarantees on its territory to any other country.
Go deeper:
The reopening of routes could have broader geopolitical implications, including reducing Turkey's influence in the region by fostering direct connections between Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. However, Azerbaijan’s insistence on exclusive control over corridors like the Zangezur raises fears in Yerevan about losing sovereignty over its southern borders. The stalemate underscores the deep mistrust between the two nations.
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