Azerbaijani Presidential aide and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmet Hajiyev, spoke at the “GLOBSEC 2025” forum during a panel titled “Middle Corridor: A New Geopolitical and Economic Lifeline.”

Axar.az reports that Hajiyev stated that Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative is overly limited and belated:

“While Azerbaijani territories were under occupation, we discussed connectivity as part of the conflict resolution process. Now that the conflict has been resolved, we have ensured full security and stability in the region. Armenia can be part of regional discussions and key transport links. We are currently in talks with Armenia. We do not intend to marginalize or isolate anyone in the region, but we do have certain expectations from Armenia.”

He emphasized that for 30 years, Armenia blockaded Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan region:

“Now we expect Armenia to take the first crucial step — related to the Zangezur Corridor. In Armenia, the term ‘corridor’ causes some discomfort. I often joke that I wish all of Azerbaijan were a corridor. Let them call it whatever they want — what we want first and foremost is a connection to Nakhchivan, because we have been deprived of this for 30 years. Once that connection is established, I believe new opportunities will also open up for Armenia. We want Armenia to be part of regional transport integration.”