Azerbaijan.US
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said the South Caucasus is undergoing a historic transformation – from decades of war and isolation to cooperation and emerging Eurasian transit corridors linking Asia with Europe.
Speaking at a panel discussion during the World Economic Forum, Aliyev described Azerbaijan as a key pillar of Eurasian connectivity, stressing that transport diversification benefits consumers, suppliers, and transit countries alike.
Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s close strategic alliance with Turkey, noting that Azerbaijani investments in Turkey exceed $20 billion. He added that Baku is also among the largest foreign investors in Georgia.
According to the president, a new transport corridor is being developed within the TRIPP framework and a broader connectivity initiative overseen by the United States. The route is expected to run from Asia across the Caspian Sea through Azerbaijan, Armenia, Nakhchivan, Turkey, and onward to Europe – complementing existing corridors via Georgia.
Aliyev said Azerbaijan’s foreign policy remains firmly focused on its immediate region, arguing that global ambitions are impossible without regional stability. He linked this vision to parallel normalization processes between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as between Turkey and Armenia, which he said are likely to culminate simultaneously in the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The Azerbaijani leader noted that Baku has already lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia from Kazakhstan and Russia and has received requests to facilitate Armenian transit toward Russia. While current shipments move via Georgia, Aliyev said future routes will pass directly through Armenia, with direct Azerbaijani exports to Armenia also expected.
Reflecting on the conflict legacy, Aliyev said Azerbaijan spent three decades restoring justice, sovereignty, and territorial integrity after international mediation efforts failed to deliver results. He stressed that choosing to stop military action after achieving these goals was a deliberate and responsible decision aimed at preventing endless war.
“For the first time in their independent histories, Armenia and Azerbaijan are living in peace,” Aliyev said, adding that tangible benefits are already visible, including the transport of strategic goods and fuel from Azerbaijan to Armenia, contributing to lower prices and economic stabilization.
Aliyev also underlined Azerbaijan’s commitment to political and economic sovereignty while maintaining broad partnerships. Baku has signed strategic partnership documents with 10 EU member states, concluded a comprehensive partnership agreement with China, and is discussing a strategic partnership charter with the United States.
In closing, Aliyev warned that traditional multilateral trade mechanisms are weakening, citing the crisis of the World Trade Organization. He said Azerbaijan deliberately avoided WTO membership to preserve economic sovereignty, despite decades of invitations.
