European Commission delegation visits Nakhchivan
Nakhchivan, September 29, AZERTAC
Jeyhun Jalilov, Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, met with a delegation of the European Commission, led by Adrienn Kiraly, Director of Neighbourhood East and Türkiye at European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood.
The meeting highlighted the successful development of relations between Azerbaijan and the European Commission based on strategic partnership, friendship, and mutual trust under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. The parties emphasized the special importance of long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation between Azerbaijan and EU member states.
They praised the agreements reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia within the framework of the peace agenda. They said that ensuring sustainable peace and stability in the region would contribute significantly to opening new transport and communication opportunities, expanding economic ties, and deepening mutually beneficial collaboration.
Jeyhun Jalilov described Nakhchivan as an important strategic region located at the intersection of the East–West and North–South transport corridors. He highlighted the significance of the Zangezur Corridor and the TRIPP project planned within its framework for expanding regional transport connectivity. He noted that the implementation of the project will enable land transit between Nakhchivan and the rest of Azerbaijan, while the railway line passing through the corridor is intended to become a key transport link connecting Nakhchivan with Türkiye. He added that the signing of a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia will create new opportunities for these transport routes to become operational and further increase their regional significance.
The sides also discussed Nakhchivan's energy potential and ongoing renewable energy projects. Officials provided information on the construction of the Tivi and Ordubad hydroelectric power stations in the Ordubad district. The sides highlighted opportunities to connect Nakhchivan’s energy system with the Jabrayil energy hub in the future, as well as prospects for exporting the electricity produced to Türkiye and broader energy markets.
The sides also discussed agricultural development in Nakhchivan, including measures to boost production, state support for farmers, and the provision of subsidies. They considered opportunities to develop the region's tourism potential and industry. Officials highlighted progress in expanding Nakhchivan's metallurgical industry and developing new production capacities, and exchanged views on 10-year tax exemptions for entrepreneurs, further improvements to the investment climate, and ongoing steps to transform the region into a free economic zone.
Elisabetta Falcetti, Managing Director for Türkiye and the Caucasus at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) highlighted the significance of the planned projects. She outlined the financing opportunities offered by the bank, including the role of concessional loans.
Adrienn Kiraly emphasized the importance of the visit and noted the significance of the presented information regarding the development of Nakhchivan’s transport, energy, and economic potential. The participants also discussed the economic aspects of projects to be implemented by the European Commission in the coming years and prospects for further cooperation.
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