During his visit to Kazakhstan, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev unexpectedly announced the lifting of restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia through Azerbaijani territory. The first transit cargo to Armenia via Azerbaijan was Kazakh grain. Aliyev emphasized that this step is clear evidence that peace between the two countries has come “not only on paper, but also in practice”.

In fact, this move marks the beginning of the process of unblocking communications in the South Caucasus region. The shift from Aliyev’s traditionally belligerent rhetoric to concrete steps toward peace – followed by official Yerevan’s expression of gratitude – indicates not only a significant convergence of positions between the sides, but also the existence of coordinated plans of a regional nature.

It is noteworthy that this statement was made from Kazakhstan, and that the cargo being sent to Armenia is of Kazakh origin. Moreover, the composition of the Azerbaijani delegation and the nature of the meetings and negotiations held in Astana suggest that transport, logistics, and economic cooperation are at the core of the visit’s agenda.

Given the current relevance of the “Middle Corridor” project, Aliyev’s announcement about unblocking transit to Armenia acquires special significance. Azerbaijan and the Central Asian countries are thus demonstrating their interest in involving Armenia in the emerging new transport and logistics system of the region – a step that is extremely important for establishing lasting peace and cooperation across a wide regional geography.

It should also be noted that, against this backdrop, both Azerbaijan and Armenia are undergoing a purge of potentially pro-Russian political elements. Ahead of the elections in Armenia, Pashinyan is cleansing the country’s political field – including local governments and the Church – of pro-Russian forces. Aliyev, in turn, is ridding Azerbaijan of pro-Russian elements represented by the old Soviet party elite. All of this points to major transformational processes taking place across the South Caucasus and Central Asia, leaving Russia merely as an observer of the historic developments unfolding in this geography.

#ARMENIA

#KAZAKHSTAN

#AZERBAIJAN

22.10.2025 07:24