Ilham Aliyev discussed the challenges Azerbaijan faced during the implementation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project. He noted that the project encountered significant resistance, particularly from the United States, which supported a pro-Armenian stance, fearing Armenia’s exclusion from the region’s transport map. Despite pressure on Georgia, Azerbaijan succeeded in reaching an agreement with its neighboring country.
The president also stressed that today it is impossible to imagine the transport map of Eurasia without Azerbaijan. Key transport corridors, East-West and North-South, pass through its territory, with the volume of cargo increasing every year. In addition to physical infrastructure, significant attention is being paid to digitalization, the creation of new cooperation formats with neighboring countries, and the establishment of joint ventures.
One of Azerbaijan’s key initiatives is the Zangezur Corridor project, which was proposed after the victory in the Patriotic War. This project has entered international terminology, and its implementation is actively underway. “The Zangezur Corridor has become a widely recognized term, and we are taking practical steps to open it,” the president stated.
Ilham Aliyev also commented on Armenia’s project called “Crossroads of Peace,” noting that it holds no value without Azerbaijan’s involvement. “If you truly want to implement this project, you must engage with Azerbaijan. Without us, it is nothing but a piece of paper,” the president emphasized.
Addressing the issue of territorial integrity, the head of state recalled that Western Zangezur was taken from Azerbaijan in 1920, calling it a crime committed by the Soviet regime. “We have not forgotten Zangezur, and we will not forget it. We have no territorial claims against Armenia, but it must fulfill its obligations and ensure unhindered passage from Azerbaijan to Azerbaijan,” Aliyev added.
The president underlined that Azerbaijan will consistently pursue its goals, relying on international law and its legitimate rights, strengthening its role as a key transport hub of Eurasia.
