Washington: The meeting between the US President and the Azerbaijani head of state at the White House marks a significant breakthrough in Azerbaijan’s relations with the United States. Georgian political scientist Levan Mamaladze highlighted this development during an interview with APA, noting the positive atmosphere and the potential for a new direction in Azerbaijan-US relations. He also emphasized the importance of resolving the peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia under Trump’s leadership.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Mamaladze stated that Armenia aims to leverage US involvement to secure its own safety. The resolution of the “Gorus-Zangezur corridor” issue, now presented as the “Trump project for peace,” is a key aspect of this strategy. Described as a “land Panama passage,” this initiative seeks to connect North and Central Asia with the global community, assigning crucial roles to both Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Mamaladze also warned of potential security risks in the South Caucasus with Russia’s exclusion from the process. He noted that historical tensions and imperial interests could lead to conflicts, especially as Russia is sidelined from the Azerbaijani-Armenian relations. This situation requires careful consideration of security dynamics in the region, particularly given the Turkish factor and the US’s involvement, which is expected to receive Turkey’s support.
The Zangezur issue, as viewed by Mamaladze, represents an opportunity for cooperation rather than competition for Georgia. He believes the initiative could enhance the Caspian-Black Sea corridor, originally established by Heydar Aliyev and Eduard Shevardnadze, by increasing its capacity. This development is expected to benefit Georgia, given the existing oil pipelines and ferry crossings that connect Eastern and Western Europe.
Furthermore, Mamaladze acknowledged the significance of the Zangezur corridor in linking with Nakhchivan and facilitating trade routes to Turkey and its seaports. He urged consideration of Russia’s interests, especially regarding the North-South project involving Azerbaijan, Iran, and India’s port of Mumbai. Although current tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia have suspended this trade route, Mamaladze suggested that transitioning these tensions to commercial and business relations could eventually ease political issues, provided the inherent complexities of such geopolitical dynamics are managed carefully.