President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to Azerbaijan Television on August 11, within the framework of his visit to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
Modern.az website presents the full text of the interview.
Journalist: Welcome, Mr. President. First of all, I would like to thank you for taking the time for this interview despite your busy schedule. With your permission, we would proceed to the questions.
President Ilham Aliyev: Please.
Journalist: This is your 17th visit to Nakhchivan, and during this visit, we witnessed very important events. How can the details, outcomes, and results of the visit be generally evaluated?
President Ilham Aliyev: In fact, my visit and the events I participated in during the visit are an indicator in themselves. It once again shows that the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is developing comprehensively. As you mentioned, this is my 17th visit to Nakhchivan as President, and each of my visits has great meaning and excellent results.
Over these years, many important projects have been implemented, and the overall development of Nakhchivan has been ensured. Today's events are a continuation of the work done, and naturally, necessary decisions will be made in the future, and the rapid socio-economic development of Nakhchivan will be ensured.
Over these years, of course, strengthening Nakhchivan's defense potential was among the priority issues. Great work has been done in this direction, and today, at the flag presentation ceremony, Nakhchivan's military power once again demonstrated itself, both in terms of equipment supply - with the most modern equipment - and the creation of new commando forces. This is also a picture observed in the Azerbaijani Armed Forces recently.
As you know, a Separate Army was created in Nakhchivan by my order. This army, of course, is an integral part of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. However, Nakhchivan's specifics, geography, and lack of geographical connection with Azerbaijan, with the main part of Azerbaijan, naturally led us to pay greater attention to the security of this region - the autonomous republic, and this is always the case. Therefore, this is the first condition. As I mentioned today, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces are a force to be reckoned with in the region. The military potential in Nakhchivan is being strengthened day by day and will continue to be strengthened.
Regarding other measures, of course, I can particularly mention the work done and to be done related to job creation. Today, the foundation of Nakhchivan Industrial Park was laid. Many industrial parks have been created in Azerbaijan at my instruction, and among them, in terms of area, Nakhchivan Industrial Park is second only to Sumgayit Industrial Park. As I said, the foundation stone was laid, and I am confident that practical work will begin in this Industrial Park soon.
At the same time, a 300-megawatt thermal power plant will be built as part of this Park. I must state that today Nakhchivan's generation capacity is approximately 200 megawatts. Just one plant will increase this by 1.5 times. Naturally, this plant has two purposes: first, to provide the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with sustainable energy, and second, export issues.
Today, if there are rare countries in our region that do not have problems with electricity, Azerbaijan is the first among them. Because for one reason or another, our region is experiencing an energy crisis, and this crisis may deepen. Both the wars in our region, increasing risks, disruption of transport chains related to the transportation of energy carriers, and other factors. It is not excluded that new unpleasant events may occur in the future. Therefore, Azerbaijan's special role here is undeniable. We must ensure that Nakhchivan's continuous and sustainable energy supply is never disrupted.
For these purposes, at my initiative, we once signed a gas exchange agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to this agreement, a gas pipeline was laid from Iran to Azerbaijan, and at the same time, gas transportation from Azerbaijan's Astara region to Iranian territory was ensured. That is, we provided Nakhchivan with 100 percent gas through exchange.
In parallel with this, we carried out gasification. For several years now - I can say approximately, maybe 15 years, maybe even more - gasification in Nakhchivan is 100 percent. The overall level of gasification in Azerbaijan is 96 percent, which is a very large figure. But in Nakhchivan, it is already 100 percent. So this was also a step aimed at energy security.
Many hydro and solar power plants, and modular type power plants have been built here. That is, energy security is the second most important factor after physical security. As I said today, the foundation of a 300-megawatt thermal power plant was laid, and I got acquainted with the construction of two 50-megawatt solar power plants.
Nakhchivan has a very large potential for solar energy. Based on monitoring and accurate analysis, Nakhchivan is the most favorable place in Azerbaijan for the production of solar electricity. Therefore, an area of more than 600 hectares has already been identified, and solar power plants with hundreds of megawatts of capacity will be built there.
It is gratifying that, as a rule, the private sector is engaged in the creation of renewable energy sources. The information presented to me today shows that these projects are economically attractive to investors from the point of view of profitability.
That is, the positive investment climate in Azerbaijan, state support for the development of renewable energy sources, and our overall growing potential, including export opportunities, play an important role here. Because, as I mentioned, today Nakhchivan is fully insured in terms of electricity supply.
The 200 megawatts of generation capacity I mentioned is more than Nakhchivan's current demand. But we must look to the future. Nakhchivan's rapid development will continue, including as a result of the implementation of the State Program. This Program was also adopted by my order. The export of a very large volume of electricity from Nakhchivan will also be considered.
Another important area - which was also reflected in my visit program today - is the protection of Nakhchivan's historical and cultural monuments. As you know, Nakhchivan has a very rich history and culture, including architectural culture. Nakhchivan was the capital of the ancient Atabegs state, and many monuments from that period and subsequent periods are monuments of world importance.
The work done on the restoration of the Momina Khatun Mausoleum was presented to me today. At the same time, the conservation, protection, and restoration of other historical and cultural objects are envisaged. A monument was erected in honor of the famous Nakhchivan architect Ajami Nakhchivani, the author of the Momina Khatun Mausoleum. Behind that monument is his immortal work, the Momina Khatun Mausoleum.
All these issues are of great importance. Because, of course, socio-economic development and energy security are important issues. However, at the foundation of all this work lies our national identity, our national spirit, our culture, language, literature, and history. The Azerbaijani people are a happy people. We can be proud of our history, our culture, and our prominent personalities.
Nakhchivan has also given many prominent personalities to Azerbaijan. Nakhchivan has given the Azerbaijani people a great leader like the genius Heydar Aliyev. That is, the rich history of this region, the bravery of the people living in this region, their devotion to their homeland, and at the same time, Nakhchivan's strategic location and opportunities, the projects implemented and to be implemented here are of great importance today not only for Azerbaijan - although primarily for Azerbaijan - but for a wide geography.
For example, if we talk about transport corridors, today, of course, we see new transport arteries in the example of Nakhchivan. We are creating this. A lot of work has been done and will be done to create this. Therefore, constant attention is paid and will be paid to these issues.
Today, I can also mention the opening of the DOST Center related to social security. Next to it is the "ASAN xidmət" center. It was also created at my instruction to provide better services to people.
That is, it is enough to look at the components of the program for everyone to see that Nakhchivan's development is a reality. I can also add that in the State Program for the development of agriculture adopted recently - a few months ago - Nakhchivan has a special place, a share, and the necessary funds are provided. This includes irrigation projects, which are an important factor for agricultural development, being implemented. Many artesian wells will be drilled, and modern irrigation systems will be installed. Today, water will be supplied to uncultivated lands. Thus, the development of the autonomous republic will be faster and more comprehensive.
Journalist: Mr. President, this visit also takes place in the context of new realities. The most important of these realities is probably related to the Zangazur corridor. Immediately after the war, you declared that it would definitely be opened, regardless of who wanted it or not. At what stage are the works related to the restoration and opening of the Nakhchivan railway and the Zangazur corridor now?
President Ilham Aliyev: The creation of the Zangazur corridor, as you know, was our initiative. Connecting the main part of Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan, which is an integral part of it, has been our long-standing dream. We were confidently and very skillfully moving towards this goal, approaching it, and have already approached it.
Naturally, you remember, a trilateral statement was signed in connection with the end of the Second Karabakh War - by the President of Azerbaijan, the President of Russia, and the Prime Minister of Armenia. In fact, this was an act of capitulation for Armenia, because Armenia surrendered. At that time, Aghdam, Kalbajar, and Lachin regions, which were still under occupation - we had not yet liberated those regions through war - were returned to us without a single shot being fired. Naturally, Armenia did not do this voluntarily, we forced it. If you force someone in a state of war, it means that party capitulates. That is, there is no need to look for any humiliating or insulting meaning in this term. This is simply a reality. We must know history as it is, we must not forget it, and we must never allow the distortion of history, those attempts. At that time - after Shusha was liberated from occupation on November 9 - trilateral negotiations were held through the President of Russia. I strongly insisted that the statement to be signed must reflect the corridor connecting the main part of Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The Armenian side did not want to agree to this. However, it did not have many alternatives either. If the war had continued, of course, we would have suffered losses, but Armenia would have suffered more losses. Because their troops were practically surrounded, and it was practically entirely possible to destroy them. Therefore, even if they did not want it, Armenia agreed to this, and that statement is known to everyone, there is a special clause there.
However, no practical steps have been taken regarding the opening of the Zangazur corridor during the 5 years since the Second Karabakh War. We repeatedly conveyed this issue to both Russia and Armenia, saying that time is passing, this statement, its important part, is not being implemented, and this is an intolerable situation. We received different answers at different times, I don't want to talk much about this. The fact is that Armenia tried to prolong this in every way. The Russian side, on the other hand, either could not ensure this, or there were some other reasons. That is, the fact was that until August of last year, the issue was frozen.
When the United States began to approach this issue - approximately from the spring of last year, as a result of contacts initiated at the beginning of spring, this process has already started - naturally, they tried to contribute to the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process, stating their readiness for this. Naturally, we had several important conditions, including the Zangazur corridor.
Ultimately, on August 8, 2025, this issue was resolved at the historic Washington Summit. The implementation of this project, named TRIPP, has already begun. Recently, three days ago - on August 8 - this issue was also touched upon during a conversation with President Trump, and both sides emphasized their confidence that this important transport project will definitely be implemented soon. So, this is the history of the issue.
At the same time, immediately after the end of the Second Karabakh War, we immediately began the restoration of both railways and highways, including the construction of roads leading to Nakhchivan. Today, the Horadiz-Aghband highway is almost ready. A number of minor issues remain. The construction of the railway is also progressing rapidly. We can accelerate this project at any moment. We simply do not see the need for it because the Armenian part is not ready. This is to direct investments and capital to the solution of more important and urgent issues.
However, in any case, the railway will reach the Armenian border next year. As for the construction of the Nakhchivan railway, work is currently underway. At my instruction, the Ministry of Transport is engaged in this work. Azerbaijan Railways has started construction work in the direction of Ordubad, and the missing sections will be rebuilt. Two sections did not exist, both are close to the Armenian border - one is in the territory of Ordubad, and the second is in the territory of Sadarak regions. The length of both sections is not very large, approximately 3-5-7 kilometers. The remaining railway is in principle operational and is used and can be used today. Simply, the existing railway's cargo capacity today is 1.5 million tons. For the initial stage, the operation of this road, which is a branch of the Zangazur corridor and generally the East-West corridor, is sufficient. But our desire is for at least 15 million tons of cargo to pass through this transport corridor. For that, the existing railway must be rebuilt and rehabilitated. The information and presentation given to me today were very important. My instructions were that there is no need to waste time, Azerbaijan can and must bring this railway to a fully operational state with a cargo capacity of 15 million tons at its own expense.
I must also state that many international organizations and some countries are showing interest in this road, especially the Nakhchivan segment of Azerbaijan Railways. One of them is the European Union. Representatives of the European Union were seconded to Nakhchivan. They got acquainted with the situation on the ground and they also want to be participants in this corridor.
In principle, we do not object to this. Our position is that Azerbaijan Railways is already finalizing all work in the territories located in the main part of Azerbaijan, and there is no need for any foreign participation here. As for the rehabilitation of the Nakhchivan railway, an international consortium can be created here in principle. Naturally, with the condition that the controlling stake belongs to the Azerbaijani state, an international consortium can consist of investors, and we are open to this. If not, we will build this road ourselves. We do not have any financial problems now. Even if we did, we would always find funds for this important project. But we believe that in order to make this road more attractive for international actors and potential cargo senders, the Nakhchivan railway project can be built by a consortium consisting of several companies, as I said.
We have received certain messages from several countries regarding this issue. I don't want to talk about it yet. Simply, from a conceptual point of view, this is possible. But I also told the Minister of Transport and the head of the Railway Department today that, of course, we are open to this, but we do not want to waste time. Because during the last conversation with President Trump, it became clear that the construction of the railway in Armenian territory should start this year, there is only 42 kilometers of road there.
In Nakhchivan, based on a new technical and economic justification - because a completely new technical and economic justification has been developed - the length of the road will be 194 kilometers. It was shorter before. Why is it longer? Because previously the turns were shorter, and if we take that line as a basis, if we restore it exactly as it was, it cannot handle 15 million tons of cargo. Therefore, the road will be longer - 194 kilometers. We cannot waste time. We also have funds this year and next year. Therefore, I think my words will reach various addresses. If anyone wants to participate in this project, they should not waste time and quickly come to an agreement with us. Because some bureaucratic obstacles, prolongation of issues, that is, this is not our, Azerbaijan's, method of governance. We identify issues, make decisions, and immediately begin their implementation.
The importance of this road, as I said, will be not only for Azerbaijan but for a wide geography. Because, as I mentioned, this will be a branch of the East-West transport corridor. At the same time, it will be a branch of the North-South transport corridor. Because today, when we talk about the North-South transport corridor, it usually refers to the Russia-Azerbaijan-Iran route, that is, the passage to Astara, the Astara-Rasht project in Iranian territory. The implementation of the project, as far as I know, has either started or will start. In any case, this project is ready in Azerbaijani territory. But after the Zangazur corridor opens, a second railway line will be opened from Azerbaijan to Iran. There is a railway from the Zangazur corridor to Nakhchivan and from the Julfa railway station to Iran. That is, this project can be realized faster. The North-South transport corridor is directed towards the Persian Gulf. From there, it can extend to regions close to it, for example, Pakistan. That is, this will be a very important transport project, and Nakhchivan stands at its center.
Therefore, from a strategic point of view today, in addition to the factors I mentioned earlier, this factor also plays a very important role. Of course, the passage of, say, 15 million tons, perhaps more cargo, will lead to greater revitalization. More jobs will be created, economic activity will increase, and Nakhchivan, I can say, will become one of the indispensable transport hubs. This is entirely possible.
We all know well, we have talked about this many times, our country does not have access to open seas, to oceans. But today, when the issues of implementing Eurasian transport corridors are discussed, it is impossible to bypass us. Look, Nakhchivan will have the same future, and of course, this will bring us both economic and other dividends.
Journalist: Mr. President, you have already partially touched upon this issue. Consistent measures are being taken regarding Nakhchivan's energy supply and energy security. Last year, we can particularly note the commissioning of the Iğdır-Nakhchivan gas pipeline, as well as steps towards realizing Nakhchivan's green energy potential. How can the current situation and prospects be generally evaluated? Can we also see foreign investments in Nakhchivan? In this direction.
President Ilham Aliyev: Yes, absolutely, absolutely, this will happen. We are already receiving such proposals from many places. Both in the main part of Azerbaijan, in the Caspian Sea, and at the same time, as you know, concrete projects have already been launched in the liberated territories. Some have already been commissioned, some are being implemented. Including, considering the solar potential and especially the water potential of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, greater work will be done here. For example, one of the issues on the agenda is the project of a hydropower plant with a capacity of slightly more than 15 megawatts in Tivi village of Ordubad region. We will also allocate funds for the continuation of this plant. Local investors, as I mentioned, are building 50-megawatt solar power plants. Foreign investors are also showing interest.
I believe that the production of solar electricity alone in Nakhchivan can be approximately at least 500 megawatts, at least. It could even be 1000 megawatts. The main issue here is its export opportunities. For this, of course, negotiations must be and are being conducted with the relevant institutions of the countries concerned. At the same time, we must expand the capacity of transmission lines. Because, naturally, today there are electricity lines from Nakhchivan to both Iran and Turkey, but their capacity is somewhat limited. That is, to export 500 megawatts, even 1000 megawatts of electricity, there are currently two directions: one is Turkey, the other is Iran. But in the future, this could also be Europe.
Therefore, our provision of the Zangazur corridor with concrete projects has a broader meaning. Naturally, when we put forward the Zangazur corridor - this idea and this initiative - primarily the transport segment was envisaged. But today we look at it more broadly. For example, we have a ready project for laying electricity lines from the main part of Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan through Armenian territory. A very large substation has been built in the liberated Jabrayil region. The main function of that substation is transmission. That is, such substations are called converter substations. It was built not for internal supply, but for transmitting large volumes of energy. It is ready. It was built specifically for the Zangazur electricity corridor.
As a result of the analysis carried out by our specialists in Armenian territory, even locations were identified - where electricity poles should be installed. I hope that the Armenian side will not delay this issue either. Because this may be necessary for them first. Because their main energy source today is a nuclear power plant. Its management is not in their hands. This is the first. Secondly, this plant is old and is a source of danger for the entire region. Azerbaijan and Turkey have repeatedly expressed their concerns about this issue on various international platforms. The extension of the life of that plant cannot be an endless process, it must be shut down sooner or later. Naturally, if it is shut down, Armenia will completely plunge into an energy crisis. Therefore, as they say, having an additional source can only bring good.
For example, today our energy lines are connected with Russia, Iran, Georgia, and through Georgia with Turkey. Therefore, the energy corridor that will extend from Armenian territory to Nakhchivan, and then to Turkey and Europe, will also enable Armenia's energy system to stay afloat - if a crisis arises. Therefore, the sooner we implement this, the better. Naturally, you also know well, in the last five years, we have installed poles in the snow in the Kalbajar mountains, at altitudes of 3500 meters. That is, if we have to implement this project, it will take a maximum of 6 months.
But Armenia, of course, must do this itself. Therefore, I believe that this issue should be clarified soon. This will be an integral part of the Zangazur corridor, TRIPP. Because this project is not only a railway and a highway. Even a fiber-optic cable, then electricity lines, and in the future, if necessary, oil and gas pipelines can pass through here.
Because the more alternatives there are, the better it is for everyone. Therefore, answering the question related to Nakhchivan's energy security, I also want to return to what I said earlier, that a fully sustainable and insured energy system is being created here, it has actually been created, but we are further improving it. We, of course, must expand export opportunities, including from the territory of Nakhchivan.
Again, I say, in the region where we are located, there is no second country other than us that is supplied with so much energy, whether oil and gas or electricity. By expanding our export opportunities to neighboring countries, we will also enter the European market. Because we have now entered Europe with our oil and gas. But we also want to enter with electricity.
Today, the only route is the Georgia, Turkey, and then Europe route. We must expand this. Including, the feasibility study for the Black Sea energy cable project is ready. But if there is a second line, this will only increase our strength. And you probably remember, back in November 2024, during COP29, the presidents of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and I agreed on the laying of an electricity cable under the Caspian Sea, and signed an agreement. That is, we must also be ready for that.
Azerbaijan will demonstrate itself as a country that produces, receives, transmits, and exports electricity. That is, our strategic visions and plans consist of this. Again, I say, these plans meet the interests of all countries located around us. Simply, coordination work here must be carried out at the right level, at the necessary level, and negotiations must be accelerated. I can say that today negotiations are being held with both Turkey and Iran on this matter. It is too early to say anything yet. As for Armenia, I want to say again, the sooner an energy corridor is created in Armenian territory, the better it will be for TRIPP and for the entire region.
Journalist: Mr. President, you touched upon the work done and to be done in various directions. Overall, we would like to know, what is the approach, strategic vision, and plans for the development of Nakhchivan - I think the answer to this question is also awaited with great interest in Nakhchivan?
President Ilham Aliyev: As I mentioned, the important issues were security issues, this has been resolved. Energy security, for the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, this has been resolved. Now the discussion is that Nakhchivan will already be engaged in energy export.
Measures taken regarding unemployment. As I particularly noted, the creation of the Nakhchivan Industrial Park will give a great impetus to this. The creation of modern industrial complexes in Nakhchivan is envisaged. The creation and restoration of social infrastructure are envisaged. According to the information given to me, there is a need for the construction and repair of kindergartens, and we will do this.
The transport problems of Nakhchivan city have been resolved. Today, new electric buses were presented, and they will probably be put into service tomorrow. Old buses have been completely decommissioned, and we often see these green buses on the streets of Baku as well. We will see more, because their percentage compared to diesel buses is increasing. This issue has been resolved for Nakhchivan city.
I know that there is a problem in intercity and inter-district transport. Instructions were given to purchase 217 modern inter-district buses and put them on routes this year and next year.
Large funds were once invested in the road infrastructure of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. You also saw the roads, they are in good condition. But there are village roads, there are still roads in disrepair, and calculations have been made, approximately 420 kilometers of roads of various categories are planned for both construction and major repair. The population in these 26 settlements is approximately 160 thousand people. This issue will be resolved.
The construction of a hydropower plant is planned in Ordubad region. As you know, the State Program for the overall development of Nakhchivan was recently adopted, and then an action plan for irrigation was drawn up. I sent a large delegation here, all issues were analyzed, and work began.
In the State Program adopted in May of this year regarding the development of agriculture, there is a special section related to Nakhchivan, and these instructions were given. That is, in addition to this, another Order will be signed by me tomorrow for the implementation of additional measures. This will be a very capital-intensive Order, where specific projects will be indicated. Of course, the necessary control will also be ensured so that work here proceeds even faster.
Overall, I had already stated this and we have already structured it that Nakhchivan, the liberated territories - Eastern Zangazur, Karabakh - should develop based on a single concept. For example, the Master Plans of cities in all liberated territories have been approved. I instructed that the Master Plan of Nakhchivan city also be developed and prepared - it was presented to me today - and additional measures be taken for the city's development and the creation of modern infrastructure.
Nakhchivan's tourism potential is very rich: it has historical monuments, beautiful nature, clean air, and picturesque places. However, unfortunately, the scarcity and not-so-high quality of hotels hinder the development of tourism. Today, the foundation of a new five-star hotel was laid in the city center, and it will probably be ready in approximately 2028.
That is, whatever is necessary for the development of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic by the state has been done and will be done to this day. All constructions in Nakhchivan over the last 20 years have been financed from the state budget. Every year, hundreds of millions of manats are allocated from the state budget of Azerbaijan to the state budget of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. That is, if this were not the case, naturally, we would not be able to see today's developing and prosperous Nakhchivan.
However, we always aspire to better, we want better. Considering that Karabakh, Eastern Zangazur are being built almost from scratch, and the distance between Zangilan region and Ordubad region is only 42 kilometers. This is practically a single space, and it has been so historically. Zangazur, Nakhchivan, Karabakh have been a single space, and human migration has occurred for centuries. Therefore, there are many relatives in this large geography. Therefore, we envisage this as a single, exemplary region of development.
Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur have been declared a green energy zone, and Nakhchivan is also a green energy zone. The majority of the energy produced here today is from renewable energy sources. We have already created two battery storage facilities with a capacity of 250 megawatts. I instructed that at least a 100-megawatt battery storage facility be built in Nakhchivan in the first stage. Because renewable energy - solar and hydropower plants - also operate here. Therefore, we need to use these modern technologies to store this energy.
All this work is already continuing systematically. If we look at the geographical location of our country, we will see that there is a special development plan for each region. Each of our economic regions is developing successfully, and this ensures the overall development of our country.
Therefore, the plans are big, and I have no doubt about the implementation of these plans. Because there is a strong will, we also have financial resources, and we are not dependent on anyone. By creating the same management system in Nakhchivan as in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur, we are practically uniting these three regions from an administrative point of view as well. Naturally, with the condition that the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic retains its autonomous republic status, but the management rules must be improved.
We saw the advantages of the new management system in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur. I am confident that more than 90 thousand people living there now also see this. The same management - the special representation of the President - was also applied in Nakhchivan. Thus, in parallel with personnel reforms, these structural reforms are, of course, an approach aimed at the main goal, so that this region, this ancient land, always develops, people live here in comfort and security, and live prosperously.
Journalist: Thank you very much for your time.
President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you.
