Construction work on the 42-kilometer section of the Zangezur Corridor passing through Armenia is expected to begin in 2026 as part of the TRIPP project (Trump's Route for International Peace and Prosperity), agreed between the United States and Armenia.
As reported by FinFly.News, this was stated by Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov while answering journalists' questions after a joint briefing held today in Baku with Ignazio Cassis, member of the Swiss Federal Council, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and current OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.
The Minister stated that over the past year, important steps have been taken to strengthen trust within the framework of the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. These steps include the removal of restrictions on the transit of goods to and from Armenia through Azerbaijani territory, as well as the supply of petroleum products to Armenia.
J. Bayramov noted that the TRIPP project, presented last year during the Washington Summit, is of particular importance.
"This project covers the 42-kilometer section of the Zangezur Corridor passing through Armenia. The project is being implemented between the United States and Armenia. However, since its entry and exit points are located on Azerbaijani territory, the American side regularly informs us about the project's progress," the Minister said.
According to him, after the preparatory phase is completed, construction work on this section is expected to begin in 2026.
The Minister emphasized that Azerbaijan is fulfilling its commitments at an accelerated pace.
"The implementation of new railway and highway projects on Azerbaijani territory is at a high level. We expect that in early 2027, both projects will reach the border with Armenia," noted J. Bayramov.
He added that investments have also been allocated to resume the operation of the 180-kilometer railway line in the direction of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which has existed since the Soviet period, and work has already begun.
The Minister reported that the Kars–Iğdır–Dilucu railway project is also at the implementation stage.
According to J. Bayramov, as a result of the implementation of all these projects, not only will communication be ensured between the main territory of Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, but a new route of the Middle Corridor will also be formed.
"This could make a significant contribution to expanding trade, economic growth, and strengthening regional cooperation for Azerbaijan, Armenia, and other neighboring countries," the Minister emphasized.
He noted that in the future, the expansion of the trade nomenclature between Azerbaijan and Armenia is also not excluded.
According to the Minister, over a period of almost one year, about 60,000 tons of cargo were transported through Azerbaijani territory to and from Armenia, and the volume of petroleum products sold by Azerbaijan to Armenia amounted to about 20,000 tons.
"I am confident that cooperation in this direction will continue in the future," added J. Bayramov.