The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made a speech at the informal meeting of the Cooperation Council of the Turkish-speaking countries held in video format on 31 March. In his speech, the President talked about the important issues concerning regional development. One of them is the creation of Zangazur corridor.
President initially touched upon the historical and geographical ties of Zangazur with Azerbaijan. According to him, the decision to separate Zangazur from Azerbaijan and annex it to Armenia was a big tragedy for Turkic world, because it caused the geographical division among Turkic states.
While speaking about the potentials of Zangazur corridor, the head of state stressed that this corridor firstly aims at playing significant role in the uniting Turkic world.
“The transport, communication and infrastructure projects passing through Zangazur will unite the whole Turkic world and create additional opportunities for other countries, including Armenia,” President said.
It should be noted that the number of experts assessed the opportunities of Zangazur corridor for the development and prosperity in the region. According to them, the corridor could have capacity to strengthen economic ties and communication among Turkic states, as well between Asia and Europe.
Speaking to Eurasia Diary, Orkhan Baghirov, expert of Centre of Analysis of International Relations, made comments about the importance of the establishment of Zangazur corridor.
Baghirov initially spoke about President Ilham Aliyev’s message about the history of Zangazur.
It is worth noting that the President has often mentioned the issue of Zangazur in his speeches. It is fact that his message is directed deliberately to draw the attention of the world about the historical ties of Zangazur with Azerbaijan.
“President Ilham Aliyev mentions Zangazur because it is historical land of Azerbaijan and it is an important area for the connection of Turkish countries through the land routes. Therefore, President Ilham Aliyev delivers a message that creation of the corridor in the Zangazur will create cooperation opportunities for Turkish and other regional countries. Establishment of this corridor also will stimulate economic development and will play an important role in formation of stable peace in the region,” Baghirov said.
Touching upon the economic potentials of Zangazur corridor, Baghirov pointed out that this corridor has great potential in strengthening economic relations between Turkic states under a single economic umbrella.
“As the establishment of the Zangazur corridor enables Turkey to get direct land access to Central Asia through the territory of Azerbaijan it creates substantial economic opportunities. Thus, the foundation of this corridor plays an important role in the development of cooperation between Turkic countries. By using this corridor, member states of Turkic Council could enlarge their economic and trade relations and get access to a larger market. Therefore, Zangazur corridor has great potential in strengthening economic relations between the Turkish states under a single economic umbrella,” he stressed.
Moreover, according to the number of experts, there are possibilities that could encourage Russia, Iran and China to involve in the accomplishment of Zangazur corridor in the near future. These countries could show interest in putting investment on the infrastructure and logistics in the corridor.
Baghirov believed that the Zangazur corridor is such an area that creates opportunities for the development of cooperation between great powers and Turkic states in Asia.
“First of all, it is worth to mention that Azerbaijan has been implementing all strategic projects through its own financial resources and Azerbaijan is going to create the Zangazur corridor independently. However, as this corridor is advantageous for the all regional countries, there are possibilities that Russia, Iran and China could offer to put investments on the accomplishment of Zangazur corridor. Both for Russia and Iran Zangazur corridor creates opportunities for the development of bilateral relations with Armenia. For China on other hand Zangazur corridor creates opportunities for the development of its Belt and Road Initiative. Therefore, these countries are interested in the creation of the Zangazur corridor and they could offer to invest in this project,” he said.
Furthermore, ensuring peace and stability in the South Caucasus is of importance for the establishment of Zangazur corridor. The durable peace and stability in the region could have impacts on the accomplishment of this corridor.
"First of all, the creation of the Zangazur corridor is one of the provisions of the statement signed by Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia on 10 November. Therefore, the signatory countries agreed to establish the corridor and this corridor will be established anyway. Possible instabilities could only extend time for the creation of this corridor. After the creation, Zangazur corridor itself will play an important role in formation of durable peace and stability in the region," he added.
by Yunis Abdullayev