Armenia welcomes Azerbaijan's decision to lift trade transit restrictions

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has commended Azerbaijan's decision to eliminate restrictions on commercial transit through its territory, characterizing the move as a substantial advancement in regional cooperation. The announcement came during Pashinyan's address at the Silk Road International Forum in Tbilisi, where he acknowledged President Ilham Aliyev's policy shift as implementing key provisions of their August peace agreement.

Peace Agreement Implementation

Pashinyan identified the transit policy change as direct fulfillment of the Washington-brokered peace declaration both leaders signed earlier this year. The agreement specifically emphasized opening transportation routes between the neighboring countries while respecting mutual sovereignty and territorial integrity, principles now being realized through practical policy adjustments.

Concrete Trade Developments

The Armenian leader noted that tangible progress is already occurring, with grain shipments from Kazakhstan now reaching Armenia via transit routes through Azerbaijan and Georgia. This operational trade corridor demonstrates how previously unthinkable cooperation is becoming routine commercial activity, transforming regional economic dynamics and connectivity.

Regional Diplomacy Context

During his Tbilisi forum appearance, Pashinyan expressed appreciation for Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's hospitality while acknowledging Kazakh and Georgian leadership for facilitating regional trade initiatives. He referenced his government's "Crossroads of Peace" project presented at the 2023 forum, which has since gained substantial international endorsement and support.