Antalya, April 12, 2025 – The Europe Today: Ensuring uninterrupted transport communication between mainland Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is essential for the country’s territorial integrity and regional stability, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized during a panel discussion at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, News Hub Consultants reports.
In his remarks, Bayramov contextualized the issue within the broader framework of regional cooperation and post-conflict development in the South Caucasus.
“The trilateral statement adopted in November 2020 explicitly calls for the opening of transport communications between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan,” Bayramov stated. “This is a significant step in resolving a unique situation for Azerbaijan, where two parts of the country are separated from each other.”
Historical Context and Strategic Importance
Bayramov recounted the historical role of the railway system connecting Azerbaijan’s mainland to Nakhchivan, which was established during the Soviet era and functioned as a vital component of the country’s transport infrastructure under centralized management.
“The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic has, unfortunately, become a hostage to this situation,” he said. “That’s why the reopening of transport links is a critical issue for us.”
Regional Implications
The Foreign Minister underscored that restoring connectivity with Nakhchivan would not only benefit Azerbaijan but also contribute to regional cooperation, economic integration, and peace-building in the post-conflict South Caucasus environment.
Bayramov’s remarks reflect Baku’s consistent position that the Zangezur corridor or any viable alternative is a matter of national priority, central to advancing both internal cohesion and regional connectivity across the South Caucasus.
