ZANGAZUR CORRIDOR AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

Abstract

The Zangezur Corridor is an important geopolitical and economic passage connecting the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, an exclave of Azerbaijan, from the territory of Armenia to the main part of Azerbaijan.  The corridor has historical, cultural and strategic importance and serves as an important link for transport, trade and regional connectivity in the South Caucasus region.  The creation and start of operation of the Zangezur Corridor is a result of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement that ended the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.  The importance of the Zangezur corridor lies in its potential to reshape regional dynamics.  It gives Azerbaijan direct access to its exclave and Turkey, strengthens economic and political relations in the region.  For Armenia, this creates an opportunity for economic development and integration into regional initiatives, potentially reducing its dependence on traditional routes.  The corridor also has the potential to strengthen peace and stability in a region historically marked by ethnic and territorial conflicts.

 The Zangezur Corridor is seen as part of a wider regional transport network connecting the South Caucasus with Europe and Asia.  Its development can contribute to the economic growth of the countries involved and increase their geopolitical importance.  Successful implementation of the corridor faces challenges, including political will, security concerns and the need to develop substantial infrastructure.  The future of the Zangezur Corridor remains a topic of great interest and importance in regional geopolitics and international relations.  The evolution of the Zangezur Corridor is poised to have a transformative impact on regional cooperation and economic development in the South Caucasus.  It symbolizes a new era of engagement and cooperation, potentially easing long-standing tensions in the region.  The development of the corridor is not only important for Azerbaijan and Armenia, but also has wider implications for international trade and geopolitical alignments.