Restoring the missing railway link between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan carries strategic importance not only for the South Caucasus but for the entire Eurasian region, said German Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ralf Horlemann during a press conference at the Germany-Azerbaijan Export Finance Conference 2025.
Horlemann stressed that developing overland transport corridors between East Asia and Europe is crucial for diversifying trade and energy routes, reducing reliance on maritime transport.
“At present, most trade between Asia and Europe moves by sea. Land-based routes account for only a small fraction, but their growth potential is clear,” the ambassador said.
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He noted that Azerbaijan is already investing heavily in transport infrastructure, including in Nakhchivan, where a 42-kilometer missing section of the railway remains to be restored.
“This segment may appear short geographically, but it carries enormous political and economic significance,” Horlemann said. “It is not only a missing link between two countries but between the routes that connect East and West.”
The ambassador emphasized that rebuilding this stretch is essential for the full operation of transport networks linking Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
“This project matters not only for Azerbaijan and Armenia but for the whole region – Central Asia, Turkey, and the two ends of the corridor: East Asia and Europe,” Horlemann said. “Following the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, it will be possible to implement the Zangezur Corridor project – also known as the ‘Trump Route’ (TRIPP). Its completion will create new opportunities for trade between Asia and Europe and close existing gaps in logistics chains.”
He added that the Middle Corridor also contributes to peace and stability, as it connects Azerbaijan with Turkey and the European Union through Armenia.
“We highly value Azerbaijan’s investment in roads, railways, ports, and infrastructure essential for trade,” Horlemann said. “This also presents an excellent opportunity for German exporters and investors to support and participate in this positive momentum.”
