Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan Declares Nation 'Overcoming Blockade' Following Azerbaijani Transit Decision

Pashinyan Hails End of Transit Restrictions

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on October 23, 2025, that Azerbaijan's decision to lift all restrictions on goods transit through its territory to Armenia marks a pivotal moment, signaling that Armenia is 'gradually overcoming the blockade'. Speaking during a government session, Pashinyan emphasized the significance of this development for the nation's economic future.

The Prime Minister's remarks followed an announcement by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on October 21, 2025, during a visit to Kazakhstan, stating that Azerbaijan had removed all existing restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia. Pashinyan had previously welcomed Aliyev's statement at the 5th Silk Road International Forum in Tbilisi, Georgia, on October 22, 2025, calling it an 'extremely important announcement'.

Decades of Economic Isolation

The 'blockade' referred to by Pashinyan has been a long-standing transportation and economic embargo against Armenia. Initiated by Azerbaijan in 1989 and later joined by Turkey in 1993, this isolation was primarily a consequence of the protracted Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The embargo significantly impacted Armenia's economy and its access to regional trade routes, with approximately 84% of Armenia's international borders remaining closed.

The lifting of these restrictions represents a substantial shift in the regional dynamics, aiming to foster greater connectivity and economic cooperation between the historically adversarial nations.

First Cargo Transit Under New Conditions

As a tangible demonstration of the eased restrictions, the first transit cargo involved a shipment of Kazakh grain destined for Armenia. This consignment is expected to travel from Aktau, Kazakhstan, across the Caspian Sea to Baku, Azerbaijan, and then proceed via Azerbaijani and Georgian railways to Armenia. This route highlights the potential for new trade corridors in the South Caucasus region.

Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan confirmed the impending arrival of the Kazakh wheat, stating, 'Peace has been established'.

Towards Regional Peace and Connectivity

The decision to lift transit restrictions is a direct outcome of a US-brokered peace agreement, often referred to as the 'Washington Declaration', which was initialed on August 8, 2025. This agreement aims to normalize relations, open transport routes, and enhance trade and mutual trust between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Prime Minister Pashinyan also expressed Armenia's readiness to facilitate transit from Turkey to Azerbaijan through Armenian territory, and from Azerbaijan to its exclave of Nakhchivan, though he acknowledged that infrastructure improvements are still required. President Aliyev further indicated that the so-called 'Zangezur corridor', a proposed transport route through southern Armenia, could be operational by the end of 2028.

While the symbolic importance of these developments is immense, the full economic potential is contingent on the complete opening of borders and the establishment of diplomatic relations, as the Azerbaijani-Armenian border remains undelimited and currently necessitates goods to transit via Georgia.