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President's Special Representative: Opening of Zangezur corridor will end historical isolation for Nakhchivan

Fuad Najafli, the Authorized Representative of the President in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

26 August 2025 16:25 (UTC +04:00)

Against the backdrop of developments in our region and the realization of the Zangezur corridor, which will be a significant part of the global Middle Corridor route, we must mobilize all our efforts to further increase the efficiency of work in the Autonomous Republic in socio-economic development, logistics, and all other areas, and to achieve the targets in a very short time, said Fuad Najafli, the Authorized Representative of the President in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, at the special meeting dedicated to President Ilham Aliyev’s Washington visit held at the Cabinet of Ministers, APA reports.

Fuad Najafli stated that the construction of the Horadiz-Agbend railway line, the foundation of which was laid in February 2021 on the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, is rapidly nearing completion: “A few days ago, the foundation stone for the Kars-Iğdır-Aralık-Dilucu railway line was laid. It should be specially emphasized that the goals of President Ilham Aliyev’s activities aimed at the realization of the international transit project are extensive. "As can be seen, the work is proceeding very quickly, and the pace of work in Nakhchivan has also increased. Technical and economic feasibility studies have already been completed for many projects in the territory of the autonomous republic, and design and construction work has begun.

What we have mentioned is an integral part of preparing Nakhchivan to fulfill the functions of a transport corridor and logistics center. Today, we believe that when the Zangezur corridor opens, Nakhchivan’s historical isolation will end, and the autonomous republic will play a leading role not only in the economic rise of our country but also in the entire region. After years of tension and blockade, the launch of a direct, uninterrupted, and secure transport route with the main part of Azerbaijan opens the door to new opportunities for the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. With the construction of new roads, railways, energy lines, and digital connectivity, Nakhchivan is becoming a logistics hub. This will also lead to increased trade and tourism opportunities and strengthen the export potential of local production. The Zangezur corridor will serve to realize Nakhchivan’s economic development at the maximum speed. The opened routes will increase trade volume and expand energy and digital communication capabilities."

The Authorized Representative of the President in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic noted that the Zangezur corridor is not just a communication line – it marks the beginning of a new phase that will enhance Azerbaijan’s economic, political, and geostrategic power and holds global significance for peace, stability, and cooperation in the entire region: “Alongside the Zangezur and Nakhchivan issues, there are several priority directions on our country’s development agenda. Just as throughout the republic, for Nakhchivan as well, the development of digital and transparent governance — that is, a corruption-free state system that serves the citizens — increasing social welfare and employment, especially supporting youth and creating new jobs, as well as activities in the field of ecological safety — protecting water resources and implementing green energy projects — hold special importance. The residents of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic feel great joy that the blockade will be lifted and that the day when uninterrupted travel by road with the main part of Azerbaijan will be ensured is already approaching.

Entrepreneurs in Nakhchivan are already considering business projects along the corridor. State bodies in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic will intensify their activities in accordance with the instructions of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and will exert all efforts to achieve the set goals. Azerbaijan is confidently moving towards its goals. At the core of this is the farsighted policy of President Ilham Aliyev. Today, we must align our activities in every field with this strategic course and work in unity and solidarity. The Zangezur corridor will mark the beginning of a new era for Azerbaijan and the end of historic isolation for Nakhchivan. I want to conclude my speech with one thought: The Zangezur corridor is not just a road – it is a symbol of Azerbaijan’s unity and strength.