Baku: In what could become a significant development for regional connectivity, Zahid Oruj, Chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the Milli Majlis, has indicated that train travel from Baku to Nakhchivan via Zangezur and further into Trkiye might be possible in the coming years, APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News agency, the recent resumption of the Baku-Tbilisi-Baku passenger train service after a six-year hiatus marks a transition from focusing solely on regional security to promoting economic integration. This shift from border protection to opening communications is seen as a positive political signal. Oruj highlighted that the pandemic and subsequent military and security threats had necessitated border restrictions. However, the relaunch of passenger trains symbolizes a move toward peace and regional cooperation, despite ongoing conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East.
Oruj noted that diplomatic actions, such as Trkiye's Special Representative for Armenia crossing the Alican-Margara border checkpoint and agreements on restoring the Ani Bridge, indicate progress towards peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He emphasized that decisions regarding border openings align with the strategic leadership of Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, rather than local interests.
The potential future railway connection through Zangezur and Nakhchivan to Trkiye is expected to enhance export and transit opportunities, reshaping Armenia's economic landscape towards independence from traditional dependencies. The move is anticipated to benefit all parties by fostering sustainable peace and economic connectivity in the South Caucasus region, which has historically been fragmented by conflict.
Oruj expressed optimism that the existing passenger train routes will pave the way for increased movement of people, trade, and mutual trust across borders. He underlined that the true reward of victory lies not in further conflicts, but in achieving security, cooperation, and lasting peace.