Swiss SRF Radio and Television has broadcast an extensive reportage about the snap presidential election held in Azerbaijan and the region`s economic and transport infrastructure potential.

The reportage highlighted the presidential election in Azerbaijan and President Ilham Aliyev`s landslide victory.

“Azerbaijan is located along vital transport and trade routes in the South Caucasus, but regional conflicts and geopolitical complexities hinder the full realization of this potential. The strategic partnership between Türkiye and Azerbaijan is pivotal, especially considering the significance of the land route passing through Azerbaijan`s Nakhchivan region, extending to the Caspian Sea and Central Asia,” the reportage mentioned.

The film crew visited Nakhchivan and engaged in discussions with businessmen and truck drivers about the challenges they face. They highlighted how transporting goods through the territory of Iran incurs additional customs payments, time loss, and complicates trade turnover in the South Caucasus. Therefore, the revival of the road infrastructure, known as the Zangazur corridor, is crucial. Azerbaijan, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, is making efforts to reopen this corridor.

Citing to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the reportage underscored the importance of Nakhchivan in the economy, transport, and energy sectors, emphasizing the potential for enhancing regional transport and communication opportunities.

The reportage features that the transport corridor passing through the territory of Nakhchivan not only connects Türkiye with Azerbaijan but also with the Central Asian countries.

It pays special attention to the growing influence of Türkiye in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, with strong support from businessmen in the region.

A Turkish businessman interviewed by the film crew hailed the ongoing processes as a revival of the historic Great Silk Road, suggesting that a small portion of this road should be included in modern infrastructure. He expressed confidence that the Azerbaijani government`s astute foreign policy would address these challenges.

The SRF`s reportage mentions that Armenia has not supported these road initiatives, and the border zone between Nakhchivan and Armenia remains a closed military area. However, there is hope that instead of weapons, diplomats should talk about these territories located on crossroads of three countries.

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