A European Commission delegation visited the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan, where it discussed with the Azerbaijani side the prospects for the development of transport and energy projects in the region, Azerbaijani media report.

The delegation was received by Jeyhun Jalilov, the Azerbaijani president’s representative in Nakhchivan. During the meeting, the parties discussed the development of relations as well as the possibilities for expanding economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union.

Particular attention was paid to the transport potential of Nakhchivan and the so-called “Zangezur Corridor.” In this connection, Jalilov stated that Nakhchivan is of strategic importance as a region located at the crossroads of East-West and North-South transport directions.

The representative of the Azerbaijani president spoke also about the TRIPP project, which Baku considers as one of the key elements of expanding regional transport links. According to the Azerbaijani side, the implementation of this project will provide an opportunity to ensure the land connection of Nakhchivan with the rest of Azerbaijan.

During the talk, it was also announced that the planned railway line should connect Nakhchivan with Turkey. The Azerbaijani side linked the prospects for the operation of these transport routes with the signing of a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia, stating that this will create new opportunities for the development of regional communications and increase their economic significance.

Following the meeting, the parties discussed the economic aspects of the projects that the European Commission is considering for implementation in the region in the coming years, as well as the further development of cooperation.