“The Zangezur Corridor is very important for the BRICS countries”

By Tehran Tapdigov, Baku, Azerbaijan

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who visited Azerbaijan on August 18-19, discussed many issues of the region with Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev. Many intergovernmental documents were signed. After the meeting, Azerbaijan submitted an application to the organization for membership in BRICS.

The fact that the Russian leader invited Aliyev to the next BRICS summit, to be held in Kazan in October, gives the impression that Azerbaijan’s membership in BRICS will be officially confirmed in October.

“We need transport corridors independent of the US, EU and UK”

But what is the main importance of the mentioned organization?

Sergey Markov, Director of the Russian Institute of Political Studies, noted that many countries want to join BRICS.

“Now BRICS is one of the most fashionable and rapidly developing international structures. BRICS initially had three countries: Russia, India and China. Then Brazil, then South Africa, Iran and Pakistan also joined BRICS. Currently, 30 countries declared that they want to become a member of BRICS”.

The Zangezur Corridor, which will be implemented by Azerbaijan, is very important for the BRICS countries. Sergey Markov said that the representation of Azerbaijan in BRICS will open new transport corridors for BRICS countries.

“Transport corridors are important for BRICS because BRICS countries are trying to support each other. At the same time, they are trying to develop relations with each other. BRICS is becoming a prototype of a fairer, more respectful world order. We need transport corridors independent of the US, EU and UK. The importance of the Zangezur corridor is increasing here. It is important that we have direct land connections without any control from the US and Europe.”

“Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran should not allow the West to invade the region”

What dividends will Azerbaijan’s BRICS membership bring to Azerbaijan? Azerbaijani national assembly deputy Arzu Naghiyev, who answered our questions on the subject, said that there will be great gains from both political, economic and military points of view.

“The Baku meeting of the leaders of Azerbaijan and Russia was very important. At such a tense time, Putin’s visit to Azerbaijan sends many serious messages. This also indicates that Azerbaijan is a serious partner. Russia wants to take steps towards solving a number of problems by cooperating with Azerbaijan. It mainly consists of economic package. Another important point was related to Azerbaijan’s membership in BRICS. Being represented in BRICS and participating as an observer in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization means walking together with powerful states like China. BRICS countries are formed from countries represented in several continents. Azerbaijan’s membership is of great importance from the political, economic, and military point of view. The BRICS countries will also gain great dividends from the geopolitical and geoeconomic location of Azerbaijan.”

Arzu Naghiyev added that pressure should be put on Armenia regarding the opening of Zangezur Corridor, which is important for BRICS.

“Transport corridors are very important for BRICS. After the peace treaty to be signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia, opportunities will grow even more. Russia is in favor of peace in the South Caucasus. The opening of the Zangezur corridor and other communications will lead to positive results. Currently, Armenia is being used by the West. However, Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran should not allow the West to invade the region. Armenia should understand that countries far away from it will not guarantee Armenia’s security. I don’t think there will be a war to open the Zangezur corridor. Simply put, there should be pressure on Armenia to open the corridor.”