Discussions around the implementation of the Zangezur Corridor — the route named after U.S. President Trump — generally converge on one point: the participating states, as well as the users of this corridor, will gain significant economic benefits. Since the “Trump Route” is becoming part of a larger communication network stretching far beyond our region, its potential will only grow, opening new opportunities.
Azerbaijan, for its part, is not standing still. It is steadily advancing, consistently carrying out all planned stages of the regional initiative.
Unlike those who engage mostly in empty talk — constantly making statements about how eager they supposedly are to embark on the path of peace, prosperity, and regional development — Azerbaijan is moving confidently toward its goals, completing tasks on schedule without waiting for external conditions to improve.
And to avoid sounding like mere rhetoric ourselves, here are the facts: over the past five years, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has participated in hundreds of events on the liberated territories.
Specifically, Aliyev took part in 569 events related to the territories liberated from occupation, laid the foundations for 177 various projects, and inaugurated 167 facilities and infrastructure sites.
On average, this amounts annually to:
— about 114 events,
— 35 new projects,
— 33 infrastructure openings.
The Armenian side is trying to keep pace, though so far mostly through loud statements and intentions. Given the long-standing nature of the conflict, this may be considered some progress, but it would be preferable if words were supported by concrete actions, rather than remaining a light breeze of rhetoric.
Recently, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that in Copenhagen he discussed the “Trump Route” with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and they agreed that the quickest components to build would be the power line and the gas pipeline.
This logic makes sense, as these would require less time and financial resources than building a railway.
Furthermore, according to the Armenian Prime Minister, the legal framework for TRIPP is expected to be finalized by mid-2026, with railway construction planned to begin by the end of next year.
As for starting construction of the gas pipeline and the power line, there are virtually no technical barriers. Since Yerevan claims that the only obstacle is the lack of a legal basis, we will see what the Armenian leadership says in the second half of 2026.
For the proposed power line and gas pipeline, Armenia must determine the operator company. Even if all formalities are completed by mid-next year, the project will still require investment flows, since the initial capital of the company may not be sufficient. But Armenia does not seem eager to act quickly.
Moreover, the balance of intentions does not favor Armenia when it comes to genuine commitment to restoring a full, peaceful, and productive coexistence.
And here is why: Aliyev recently announced that construction of the Zangezur Corridor on Azerbaijan’s territory is nearing completion. Speaking at the Consultative Meeting of Central Asian leaders in Tashkent, the Azerbaijani president expressed confidence that the Washington agreements will help expand transit opportunities for international transport.
It should also be noted that not only the head of state attends events and closely monitors the progress of assigned tasks — members of his team do as well.
Just yesterday, employees of the Presidential Administration and members of the Coordination Headquarters for the centrally managed issues of the liberated territories inspected the construction of the road and railway sections of the Zangezur Corridor, as well as the Agbend–Kelale bridge over the Araz River.
Given the importance of transport hubs and the need to ensure full infrastructure, the delegation also reviewed the organization of customs services in the region and heard briefings from relevant state agencies on site.
And what about Armenia? Our neighbors are still mostly talking. They announced that Armenia and the United States have created a new joint working group to accelerate the implementation of the “Trump Route.” Yet no one has seen or heard what exactly this group is doing or what concrete work it has produced. Perhaps the American representatives will manage to nudge the Armenian side into waking up and getting to work…
Alla Zeydullayeva
Translated from minval.az
