“The proposed Zangezur Corridor, embedded in the U.S.-backed TRIPP framework, represents a transformative opportunity for the South Caucasus. Economically, it establishes a continuous Türkiye-Nakhchivan-Azerbaijan land connection, linking directly into the Middle Corridor toward Central Asia and China. By reducing reliance on traditional Russian and Iranian routes, the corridor enhances efficiency and resilience in Eurasian freight transport,” László Vasa, Chief advisor at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA), Professor of the Széchenyi István University, told AZERTAC.
Economic opportunities for the region
Professor László Vasa underlined that beyond transport, the project has the potential to carry energy, digital, and utility infrastructure. “Integrating gas, electricity, and fiber-optic interconnectors along the corridor would strengthen regional energy security and facilitate digital connectivity. New logistics hubs, border facilities, and construction projects in Nakhchivan could generate employment and new revenue streams. The strategic value of the corridor lies equally in its contribution to stability,” the expert said.
The Washington Agreement: Strategic significance and new horizons
Touching upon the significance of the Washington Agreement, the Hungarian expert mentioned that the Washington Agreement of August 2025 introduces the United States as a direct stakeholder in South Caucasus connectivity. “Its strategic importance lies in diversifying regional alignments. By shifting the Armenia-Azerbaijan agenda from territorial disputes to infrastructure-based cooperation, the agreement reframes regional relations toward pragmatic normalization.”
Noting that the agreement can open several new chapters, Professor László Vasa stated: “First, it creates a platform for “hard connectivity” - harmonized customs procedures, coordinated railway operations, and integrated energy and digital backbones. Second, it provides a basis for light-touch security architecture, including corridor monitoring, incident-prevention mechanisms, and dispute-resolution channels. Third, it broadens the region’s external ties: Armenia gains greater access to Western economic support and integration, while Azerbaijan leverages the corridor to deepen engagement with the United States, Türkiye, and the European Union.”
“To be sustainable, TRIPP must be framed not as a singular east–west passage, but as one element of a broader, multi-directional connectivity strategy,” the Hungarian expert added.
