Unblocking transportation links between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Despite ongoing political negotiations, ‘on the ground’ the issue of unblocking transport communications between Armenia and Azerbaijan has made little progress. The issue remains hyper-politicised. The acute lack of trust between the parties due to the longstanding conflict, as well as the presence of various interests of third countries, have blocked the use what is perhaps the most promising tool for peaceful coexistence between the two countries – trade.

How to unblock transport communications between Armenia and Azerbaijan? Which, in addition to stimulating regional trade, can pave the way for more global economic co-operation? In the new edition of the programme ‘The Line of Contact – Current Issue’ on Civilnet, political scientist Ilgar Velizadeh and logistics expert Gagik Aghajanyan present different visions: one believes that the operation of the railway running through the south of Armenia’s Syunik region is of paramount importance, while the other believes one should start with the already existing road that connects Armenia with Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan autonomous republic.

The programme was prepared on the joint initiative of Yerevan and Baku Press Clubs.