In the past few days, the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan prominently discussed establishing a link between Azerbaijan’s main territory and Nakhichevan in their public statements. Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan expressed clear opposition to the Zangezur corridor. It is essential to note that the Zangezur corridor was never referenced in the agreement reached between the presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan, and the Prime Minister of Armenia, as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized during a press conference.

He highlighted that in the trilateral statement signed on November 9, 2020, which effectively halted the 2020 war, there is a provision stating that all economic and transport connections will be unblocked. The agreement includes Armenia ensuring the safety of transport communication between the western regions of Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan in both directions. Additionally, this transport communication is monitored by the agencies of the Border Guard Service of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia.

According to Sergey Lavrov, Pashinyan’s request for similar conditions for transit through Armenia, comparable to the transit from Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan through Iran, is beyond logic, and the comparison of these routes may be inappropriate.

“Within the framework of the tripartite working group, which was created at the level of the deputy prime ministers of Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan in 2021, it was agreed that in case of unblocking of all connections and routes, the countries through whose territory any unblocked route will pass will fully maintain their sovereignty and jurisdiction over these routes in their territory…In June 2023, at the level of the deputy prime ministers, they agreed to restore such communication; initially, the railway. It was agreed and discussed with [Russian] President Putin in Yerevan when he visited there, separately with Pashinyan, within the framework of the CSTO summit. I remember very well that it was received quite positively, but then everything ‘went’ somewhere,” he added. 

The Russian Foreign Minister expressed his belief that there is no alternative to restoring communications based on the parameters mentioned in the tripartite statement. The minister also mentioned the presence of Western advice in the South Caucasus, suggesting that such guidance often aims to advance geopolitical objectives rather than facilitate agreements based on the balance of regional interests.

Regarding Russian-Armenian relations, Sergey Lavrov emphasized that Russia has never initiated any disruptions in relations with Armenia. He mentioned instances when current Armenian officials, while in opposition, advocated leaving the CSTO and EAEU. Lavrov added that when Prime Minister Pashinyan assumed power, Russia was not inclined to sever ties with Yerevan.

He also stated that they suggested to the Armenian side the idea of inviting the CSTO mission if the EU mission is considered, but the Armenian response suggested disappointment with the CSTO for not condemning Azerbaijan. Lavrov highlighted the historical actions on both the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides, indicating that the opportunity to strengthen borders should not be missed.

Read also: Armenian Prime Minister Responds to Opposition Concerns Over Azerbaijan's Statements