Armenian PM: Central Asian Countries to Benefit from Opening of South Caucasus Transport Routes

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that Central Asian nations will be among the first to benefit from the unblocking of South Caucasus transport routes.

Pashinyan made these remarks during the Orbeli Forum 2025: Building Peace and Multilateral Cooperation, The Caspian Post reports via Armenian media.

He highlighted that although Armenia and Kazakhstan are both members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), mutual trade remains low due to long and costly transport routes.

“Grain is now coming to Armenia from Kazakhstan by railway through the territory of Azerbaijan. The President of Azerbaijan announced that he is removing all restrictions on the transit of goods through his territory to Armenia, and I highly appreciate this step. The first beneficiaries of this will also be the countries of Central Asia,” Pashinyan stated.

The Armenian prime minister emphasized that unblocking regional communication routes will not only boost trade between Armenia and Central Asia but also help strengthen economic and political ties with Uzbekistan, overcoming existing logistical barriers.

Pashinyan also announced that Armenia is ready to ensure the transit of trucks between Türkiye and Azerbaijan via Margara and Khndzoresk, the only fully prepared routes at the moment.

He reaffirmed that reopening transport links across the South Caucasus will benefit not just Armenia and Azerbaijan, but also Iran, Georgia, Türkiye, Russia, and Central Asian countries, creating new opportunities for regional connectivity and economic growth.