Middle Corridor Emerging as Strategic Geo-Economic System Linking Europe and Asia: Hikmet Hajiyev
Washington, The Gulf Observer: The Middle Corridor is rapidly evolving from a conventional transportation route into a strategic geo-economic system connecting Europe, the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and other regions, according to Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration.
Addressing the annual Trans-Caspian Forum via video link, Hajiyev highlighted the growing importance of the Middle Corridor amid escalating tensions and conflicts in the Gulf region and the broader Middle East.
He stated that the corridor has gained additional strategic significance under the current geopolitical circumstances, serving as a vital connectivity network linking key regions across Eurasia.
Hajiyev noted that one of the cornerstone components of the Middle Corridor is the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway, which plays a crucial role in facilitating East-West trade and transportation. He emphasized that strengthening connectivity with Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan region also remains an important element of the broader infrastructure framework.
Referring to the emerging Zangezur Corridor, Hajiyev said it is increasingly being viewed as a strategic segment of the Middle Corridor. He explained that the corridor has the potential to further enhance East-West connectivity while reinforcing Azerbaijan’s direct transportation and trade links with Türkiye and wider European markets.
The Azerbaijani presidential aide underscored that the continued development of regional connectivity projects would contribute to greater economic integration, trade diversification, and sustainable growth across the Eurasian region.
