Azerbaijan Lifts Transit Ban, Allowing First Cargo Shipment to Armenia

After decades of restrictions, Azerbaijan has allowed cargo transit to Armenia for the first time. The first shipment to use this route was a consignment of Kazakhstan's grain. President Ilham Aliyev called it a step toward genuine peace between the two countries, Orda.kz reports.

More Than Paper

Azerbaijan has lifted all cargo transit restrictions to Armenia that had been in place since the Karabakh conflict in the 1990s. The announcement was made by President Ilham Aliyev during a joint press conference with Qasym-Jomart Toqayev in Astana, according to the AZERTAC news agency.

Aqorda has not yet commented on the matter.

Azerbaijan has lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia that had existed since the occupation, and the first such transit cargo was a shipment of Kazakh grain to Armenia. I think this is also a good indicator that peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia is no longer just on paper but also in practice, Aliyev said.

Background

The restrictions were originally introduced in the early 1990s, following the outbreak of the Karabakh conflict (1988–1994). After the escalation of hostilities in 1992 and the occupation of parts of Azerbaijani territory by Armenian forces, Azerbaijan closed its border with Armenia and banned all transport and transit.

These measures remained in effect for more than 30 years. During that time, the border was completely sealed, and trade and transit between the two countries were nonexistent. The current shipment marks the first transit through Azerbaijan to Armenia since the collapse of the USSR in 1991.

Aliyev noted that lifting the restrictions is an important step toward building trust and stability in the South Caucasus. He added that Baku is demonstrating readiness for peace and cooperation after years of conflict.

The first shipment of Kazakhstan's grain could become the start of a new economic link among Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Kazakhstan, boosting trade and logistics in the region.

Armenia's Response

Yerevan welcomed Aliyev’s announcement lifting restrictions on cargo transit toward Armenia. Armenian government spokesperson Nazeli Baghdasaryan stated:

This step is important for opening regional communications, strengthening mutual trust, and institutionalizing the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan — in accordance with the agreements reached in Washington.

Original Author: Alina Pak