The strategic significance of Nakhchivan reaches a global level - Expert

"Nakhchivan has always been one of the key strategic territories of Azerbaijan. In the current period, the geopolitical and transport significance of the region is increasing even further."

Political analyst Aziz Alibeyli stated in a comment to BAKU.WS that Nakhchivan's location along the Zangezur corridor line demonstrates its crucial geographical position for Azerbaijan's access to Europe.

According to him, against the backdrop of events surrounding Iran and the Russian-Ukrainian war, interest in the Middle Corridor has significantly increased:

"The processes related to Iran, the Russian-Ukrainian war, and other geopolitical events are pushing toward the search for safer and alternative transport routes. In this context, the role of Azerbaijan, and Nakhchivan as one of its key exit points, is steadily growing."

The political analyst also addressed the issue of Nakhchivan's status. He noted that following the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty, new approaches to legal and administrative processes related to Nakhchivan may be formed.

A. Alibeyli believes that in the context of strengthening Azerbaijan's unitary state structure, the Nakhchivan issue should receive special attention:

"Against the backdrop of ensuring the indivisibility and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, the future status and governance model of Nakhchivan also remains an important topic for discussion. This issue can be considered alongside the new governance policy in Karabakh, in the context of developing the country's overall governance model."

The political analyst also assessed the prospects of the Zangezur corridor, taking into account the opportunities that have opened up thanks to Azerbaijan's military-political achievements. According to him, this project is capable of changing the region's transport map and further increasing Azerbaijan's significance as a regional transit hub.

"Against the backdrop of the outcomes of the war with Armenia and the dividends from Azerbaijan's victory, the Zangezur corridor is on the agenda as one of the key projects. This issue can be considered as an integral part of the future peace process and the formation of new transport communications in the region," A. Alibeyli emphasized.

He added that the steps to be taken in the near future regarding the development of Nakhchivan and its governance model will be of significant importance both for assessing the strategic role of the region and for Azerbaijan's new governance approach.

Shahane Khankishiyeva