Munich: Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ceyhun Bayramov, addressed the importance of the Trump Route project during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference. The panel, titled 'Defining Eurasia's Strategic Order: The Middle Corridor as a European Security Agenda for Stability, Peace, Security, and Connectivity,' included contributions from Georgia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maka Botchorishvili, and the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Odile Renaud-Basso.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, Bayramov outlined Azerbaijan's approach toward achieving lasting peace and security in the South Caucasus, referencing steps taken following the historic Washington Summit. Emphasis was placed on Azerbaijan's policies aimed at fostering regional security and stability. He discussed the easing of transit restrictions on cargoes bound for Armenia and the sale of petroleum products to Armenia, emphasizing these actions as milestones in creating a stable regional environment.
Bayramov also mentioned the necessity of permissions from Armenia for exporting cargoes to third countries through Azerbaijan as well as the value of meetings among think tank representatives and experts as measures to build trust. The signing of the initialed peace agreement and the removal of territorial claims against Azerbaijan in Armenia's Constitution were highlighted as critical steps in the normalization process.
The minister further discussed Azerbaijan's large-scale infrastructure projects and cooperation with regional partners to enhance the Middle Corridor. A joint roadmap among Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Trkiye, and Georgia aims to streamline cargo transportation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, reducing transit times and boosting cargo volumes.
Bayramov underscored the potential for more active European Union involvement in inclusive connectivity projects, specifically the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) initiative. He noted the significant roles of Trkiye and Georgia in developing regional transport links and Azerbaijan's collaborative efforts with Central Asia to improve regional connectivity.
The panel discussion concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session.