Mushfig Mammadli: Development of Nakhchivan viewed as part of Azerbaijan's geo-economic strategy

The development of Nakhchivan is now viewed not only as the socio-economic progress of a particular region, but also as an important component of Azerbaijan's long-term geopolitical and geo-economic strategy, Member of Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis Mushfig Mammadli told Report.

According to him, Nakhchivan's role will significantly increase both domestically and across the wider region in the near future.

"For many years, Nakhchivan's geographical location created certain constraints, but today it provides a major strategic advantage. Located at the intersection of Azerbaijan, Türkiye and the South Caucasus and, more broadly, along the Central Asia–Europe route, Nakhchivan has the potential to become an important hub on the new transport and energy map.

"One of the noteworthy points in President Ilham Aliyev's interview with state television is that the development of Nakhchivan was presented as part of a unified strategic vision alongside the large-scale construction process underway in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur. Speaking about work in green energy, agriculture, irrigation, tourism and infrastructure, the head of state emphasized that these regions will be economically interconnected. This approach effectively means the formation of a new economic development space stretching from Azerbaijan's western regions to Nakhchivan."

The lawmaker stressed the particular importance of opening transport links:

"Ensuring an unhindered connection between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan is not only a matter of the country's internal connectivity. It will also further strengthen ties between Türkiye and Azerbaijan, expand the opportunities of the Middle Corridor and create new opportunities for the transport and logistics system stretching from Central Asia to Europe. Other countries in the region, including Armenia, will also be able to benefit from these new connectivity opportunities."

Mammadli noted that the projects being implemented in Nakhchivan in industrialization, entrepreneurship development, job creation, agriculture, water supply, tourism and social infrastructure are comprehensive in nature.

"The main goal here is not simply to construct new facilities, but to establish a long-term and sustainable economic model. Preserving Nakhchivan's historical and cultural potential is also an integral part of this development model. The restoration of globally significant architectural monuments such as the Momine Khatun Mausoleum, greater attention to the legacy of Ajami Nakhchivani and the renewal of historical and cultural spaces will make it possible to showcase Nakhchivan's international tourism potential more broadly."