The International Investment Forum in Baku has concluded, bringing together representatives of business, government, and international organizations to discuss the region’s economic development prospects. One of the participants was Matthew Bryza, former U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan. On the occasion of his participation, Minval Politika posed several questions to him. Below is the English translation of the interview.
— How do you assess the International Investment Forum in Azerbaijan?
— I believe that the First International Investment Forum in Azerbaijan, held at the impressive Seabreeze venue and organized by Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov together with AZPROMO under the leadership of Yusif Abdullayev, was conducted at a very high level. For the first time, I witnessed such an unprecedented level of confidence from the Azerbaijani leadership regarding the country’s economic future.
Government representatives presented a strategic vision that went far beyond traditional areas such as logistics, transportation, the Zangezur Corridor, and the oil and gas industry. They spoke about advanced approaches in developing renewable energy, medical and wellness tourism, science and education clusters, agribusiness, and other promising sectors. The key message was clear: having restored its territorial integrity, Azerbaijan has become more ambitious and is now looking far beyond the region, especially toward the Middle East.
In particular, Minister Jabbarov noted during the plenary session that, while ties with Europe remain important, Azerbaijan now also sees itself as part of the Middle East. This shift was confirmed by recent developments: just weeks earlier, Baku hosted a meeting of the foreign ministers of Israel and Syria and also began supplying natural gas to Syria through Turkey.
The forum reflected Azerbaijan’s growing confidence as well as its expanding geopolitical and economic ambitions. It created an inspiring and positive atmosphere, uniting local and international participants interested in exploring new investment opportunities across various sectors and regions involving Azerbaijan.
— How might the Zangezur Corridor, also known as the “Trump Route,” affect the region’s future and its economic outlook?
— The “Trump Road to International Peace and Prosperity,” as the Zangezur Corridor is called in Azerbaijan, could have a transformative impact on the entire South Caucasus. Running from Azerbaijan through Armenian territory, connecting to Nakhchivan and further into eastern Turkey, this route promises to boost investment, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen regional connectivity. New transport arteries for data, oil, natural gas, freight, and renewable energy could create a dynamic regional network that attracts global attention and capital.
Even countries not directly on the “Trump Road,” such as Georgia, stand to benefit. Georgia already plays a key role as a transit hub between Azerbaijan, the Black Sea, and Turkey.
Nevertheless, the project faces serious political obstacles. Potential investors will be ready to commit funds only if there is lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, concluding a peace agreement is unlikely without amendments to Armenia’s Constitution, in particular, the removal of provisions containing territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has publicly acknowledged that Armenia must take this step if it genuinely seeks peace.
The process, however, is complicated: amendments must be approved by two-thirds of the Armenian parliament and then put to a national referendum. The timeline and the extent of domestic resistance remain uncertain.
External actors may create additional complications, especially Russia, which is likely to oppose such changes. Moscow has no interest in the creation of a strategic corridor—especially one symbolically referred to as the “Trump Road”—running through Armenia, a country traditionally dependent on Russian security support.
— In your opinion, could Donald Trump influence the outcome of Russia’s war against Ukraine, as well as the conflict between Israel and Palestine?
— My answer is an unequivocal yes. This is understood worldwide. President Trump holds the key to resolving both conflicts. If he were to impose tougher sanctions on Russia and on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil, as he has previously threatened, Vladimir Putin would soon run out of financial resources to continue the war in Ukraine.
Similarly, if Trump were to put pressure on the Israeli government—say, by suspending military and financial assistance—Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would lose the ability to conduct military operations and would suffer a further loss of political weight at home. It is quite likely he would be unable to remain in office. For the overwhelming majority of Israelis, strategic partnership with the United States remains the cornerstone of foreign policy. Any prime minister who loses the support of the U.S. president is unlikely to stay in power.
