Kazakh political scientist: Agreements in Washington to ensure development of transport routes bypassing Russia

The signing of documents by Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington will ensure the development of transport routes bypassing Russia, political scientist from Kazakhstan Dimash Alzhanov said, commenting on the results of the summit of the leaders of the US, Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington on August 8, Report informs.

"After the start of the large-scale invasion of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, many countries started talking about alternative routes not only for oil and gas, but also for other goods. This development of the geopolitical situation led to the fact that trade turnover via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, Middle Corridor) increased sharply. In this context, the Joint Declaration signed between Baku and Yerevan on August 8 gives a sense of stability in the process of developing alternative routes bypassing Russia," he noted.

Alzhanov believes that the participation of the United States, one of the world's leading powers, which will be responsible for the operational activities of the railway (through the territory of Armenia) gives hope that trade routes will be stable, and in the future the border between Türkiye and Armenia will open: "This will also give a sense of stability to all countries whose cargo will pass through the South Caucasus. Kazakhstan is one of the countries on the Trans-Caspian route. This also meets the interests of Türkiye, China and Europe."

The political scientist believes that the documents signed in Washington indicate the failure of Russian policy in the South Caucasus.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, with the mediation of US President Donald Trump, signed a joint declaration in the White House. In accordance with the document, the parties pledged to permanently cease hostilities, restore trade and diplomatic relations, mutual visits, and respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity. In addition, the heads of the Foreign Ministries of Azerbaijan and Armenia, in the presence of the three countries, initialed the Agreement on Peace and the Establishment of Interstate Relations.