Azerbaijani FM speaks about opening of Zangazur corridor

"Azerbaijan has entered a phase of post-conflict reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reintegration with the end of the armed conflict under the Tripartite Declaration. Continuation of peace, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities and the return of IDPs is an absolute priority for Azerbaijan in the post-conflict period," Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at the 43rd Meeting of the Council Of The Ministers Of Foreign Affairs.

"The government has begun to take practical steps to eliminate the results of the 30-year occupation, accompanied by mass extermination. In the reconstruction process, art technologies will be applied along with the concepts of 'green energy', 'smart city and smart village', and the principles of a circular economy. We appreciate the interest of the partner countries in supporting our efforts through investment and technical cooperation.

"The settlement of the conflict also opens new prospects for regional cooperation, development, and progress. The joint declaration of November 10, 2020, was completed with the trilateral statement of Azerbaijan-Russia-Armenia dated January 11, 2021, which provides for the opening of communications in the region. Implementing these measures will significantly change the landscape of an important part of the BSEC region - the South Caucasus. The Zangazur Corridor, a new link between Azerbaijan and Turkey, will serve to connect the Nakhchivan exclave with Azerbaijan, which had been besieged for nearly three decades, as well as existing trade and transport links. The restoration of communications is a win-win situation for the entire region and will increase the importance of the more expansive Black Sea geography.

"Transport, communications, and trade initiatives will provide an opportunity to take advantage of new partnerships and opportunities. In addition to strengthening development, enhanced regional cooperation can help create economic stakes in the region to reduce the risk of military outbreaks and enhance peace and stability.

"We expect the international community, including the BSEC, to make every effort to realize the vision of peace, security, and cooperation that has emerged since the end of the armed conflict. Azerbaijan hopes that the opportunities will be adequately understood and assessed by the Organization and its individual member states.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Michael Christides for his successful work as Secretary-General of the BSEC and his valuable contribution to the further development of our cooperation. I congratulate Mr. Lazăr Comănescu on his appointment as the new Secretary-General of the BSEC and express our support for his efforts to make the BSEC a more robust platform for productive regional cooperation.

"Finally, let me express my best wishes to the next Chairman-in-Office, Georgia. We wish the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs David Zalkaliani success in his work, and we are ready to cooperate with you," the minister noted.