Economic cooperation could play a key role in advancing the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, but persistent trust deficits, political uncertainty in Armenia, and regional geopolitical tensions continue to challenge its long-term sustainability, an analyst said.
Murad Maradov, Deputy Director at the Topchubashov Centre in Baku, told AnewZ that the normalisation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia is at a critical stage, influenced by upcoming elections in Armenia and ongoing political debates around the peace agenda.
He added that opposition forces in Armenia continue to question the benefits of the process, while the broader regional context remains sensitive despite official declarations that key conflict issues have been resolved.
The analyst said economic and infrastructure cooperation could help shift the region “from a space of competition into a space of cooperation,” but argued that ideological and nationalist narratives often outweigh pragmatic approaches.
The analyst also pointed to energy and transport connectivity as key areas of potential cooperation, noting Armenia’s dependence on Russian gas and discussions around alternative infrastructure routes, including the reconstruction of Soviet-era pipelines.
He also highlighted that projects such as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) could improve regional connectivity and offer benefits for both sides.
The initiative gained momentum following the trilateral summit between Azerbaijan, Armenia and the United States in Washington on 8 August 2025, which established a framework for continued engagement. The TRIPP aims to develop transit routes, highways and railways, through Armenia, connecting Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhichivan.
Commenting on wider geopolitical risks, he said uncertainty linked to Middle East tensions and U.S. involvement could affect implementation timelines, though Azerbaijan’s experience in infrastructure development and investor interest could help sustain progress.
On peace-building initiatives, the analyst said Azerbaijan’s recent bilateral roundtable under the ‘Peace Bridge’ initiative reflects a broader effort to sustain dialogue at multiple levels.
The meeting, held from 10 to 12 April, brought together civil society, expert and media representatives from both countries.
In contrast to past approaches, he said current government-level engagement provides stronger momentum, adding, “Right now what we have is the two governments are really committed to the peace agenda.”
He added that if political support continues, the process could see “brighter days ahead.”
Ukraine's soldiers have had their access to Starlink satellite internet restricted. Kyiv's troops use the terminals, made by Elon Musk...
A 62-year-old man died on Wednesday after floodwaters swept his car into the sea on the Greek island of Rhodes, as torrential rain flooded roads, s...
A failure by the U.S. and Iran to reach an agreement on a UN-backed fertiliser shipping plan for the Strait of Hormuz within weeks could trigger a ...
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said late Monday that it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi group toward Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Yemen’s Houthis have claimed responsibility for the recent drone and missile strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities in Dhahran and Riyadh and at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, vowing to carry out more attacks in the coming days.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia hit at least six energy targets in deadly strikes across Ukraine, showing Moscow is unwilling to accept the energy ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Thousands of young Georgians leave the country each year in search of better economic opportunities, with many moving west. As questions grow over Georgia’s European path, AnewZ spoke to people who have emigrated about what it would take for them to return.
Ukraine's soldiers have had their access to Starlink satellite internet restricted. Kyiv's troops use the terminals, made by Elon Musk's SpaceX, to pilot drones. A source in Ukraine's Defence Ministry said the restrictions would make it harder for Kyiv's army to down Russian drones.
Armenia and Russia have agreed to establish a joint working group to tackle railway infrastructure problems as Yerevan considers changes to Russian management and pushes ahead with plans to restore regional transport links.
Yemen’s Houthis have claimed responsibility for the recent drone and missile strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities in Dhahran and Riyadh and at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, vowing to carry out more attacks in the coming days.
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said late Monday that it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi group toward Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Georgia and Uzbekistan are aiming to nearly quadruple annual trade to $1 billion, up from $267.6 million in 2025, as the two countries seek to strengthen economic ties and expand transport links.
Iran has warned against the military use of Starlink, saying it has developed domestic technology capable of countering cyber threats linked to the satellite internet service.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment