Jeyhun Bayramov: A new stage on the Zangezur corridor will begin in early 2027
The Zangezur corridor is of special importance as a new route of the Middle Corridor connecting Europe with Asia, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a joint briefing with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Baku.
He noted that relevant work is being carried out within the framework of the Zangezur corridor on the territories of Turkey and Azerbaijan, as well as in other parts of the region.
«Hakan Fidan provided information about the work being carried out on Turkish territory on the 224-kilometer section in the Kars - Igdir - Dilucu direction. Concrete work is already underway there.
At the same time, I would like to note that the creation of new transport infrastructure in the main part of Azerbaijan is continuing at a rapid pace. If we talk about highways, the percentage of completion of work on the territory of Azerbaijan in the direction of the border with Armenia is approximately 95%. Implementation of the railway project stands at approximately 75%. Completion of both projects in the main part of Azerbaijan is envisaged in the first half of 2027.
At the same time, we are talking about a railway connection of about 190 km on the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. As is known, this railway existed. However, for more than the last 30 years it has been in a practically unused state. Therefore, carrying out restoration work in this territory is important, and work has now also begun there», Bayramov said.
The minister noted that for the full functioning of the Zangezur corridor, the section passing through the territory of Armenia is also of the utmost importance.
«Finally, there is a missing link here. We mentioned the main part of Azerbaijan, the territory of Turkey and the Nakhchivan direction. The section of approximately 42 km passes through the territory of Armenia. As is known, one of the agreements reached last year at the Washington summit is precisely the creation of transport infrastructure in this territory.
We are talking about that very 42-kilometer section, which is an integral part of the Zangezur corridor. Here the negotiations are being conducted directly between the United States and Armenia. However, our American partners regularly inform us about the progress of the work.
I note once again that we are talking about the development of communications on the territory of Armenia. But both its entry point and its exit point are the territory of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani border. This corridor can function exclusively in such a format», Bayramov emphasized.
He also announced the latest information about the start of physical work: «According to the latest information provided to us, design work, as well as work on setting up a company, is currently continuing, and their completion is envisaged during this year. The start of physical work is planned for the beginning of 2027. This is the very latest information provided to us.
In general, we believe that after the start of physical work, this section can be completed in a fairly short time. Because the territory itself is not large. We are talking about a distance of a little more than 40 kilometers, and it is quite possible to fully complete it in a fairly short time».
The minister reported that implementation of the Zangezur corridor will make it possible to form a new transport link between Europe and Central Asia: «In that case, direct communication will be ensured between the main part of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan through Armenia. Taking into account the exit through Nakhchivan to Turkey, and from there to the main transport infrastructures, a new and important direction of communication will emerge, extending from Europe through Turkey to Azerbaijan and further to Central Asia».
Gafar Agayev
