Azerbaijan Permits Transit of Commercial Goods to Armenia

Azerbaijan Allows Transit of Commercial Goods to Armenia

Azerbaijan’s recent decision to permit the transit of commercial goods destined for Armenia marks a significant development following the August 8 meeting between the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders at the White House.

Background and Context

The transit agreement aims to reduce Armenia’s reliance on imports such as Russian wheat while opening a new chapter in trade relations. It represents an important step toward broader peace negotiations between the two countries after decades of conflict.

Details of the Agreement

At the summit witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev focused on trade and transit measures. On October 21, Aliyev announced that Baku would now allow wheat and other goods to transit through Azerbaijani territory to Armenia.

Aliyev stated during his visit to Astana at a joint press conference with Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: "Baku will allow the shipment of wheat and other goods destined for Armenia to transit through its territory."

Significance and Implementation

Land borders between Azerbaijan and Armenia have mostly been closed since the early 1990s war.
The first shipment arriving under the new agreement is Kazakh wheat, transported through Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia’s rail network.
This transit agreement serves as a positive step toward normalizing relations and improving regional trade connectivity.

Ongoing Momentum

The momentum toward a peace agreement continues following the August 8 declaration, indicating growing cooperation between the two nations supported by international mediation.

Author’s Summary

Azerbaijan’s transit permission for Armenian-bound goods marks a key practical step in improving trade ties and advancing peace prospects after decades of conflict in the region.

The Jamestown Foundation — 2025-11-06