Realization of Middle Corridor will start with agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan - O'Brien

Washington considers the Middle Corridor an important step for the entire region, US Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia James O'Brien said at a briefing in Baku on 28 June.

"We believe that the Middle Corridor is an important step for the entire region. Central Asian countries export to international markets through Russia and China. But now we see opportunities for them to do so through the Caspian Sea. This route can go through Georgia as well as Armenia and Turkey. Taking advantage of this opportunity will reduce transport costs as well as provide alternatives safe from geopolitical interference. From Tajikistan to Turkey, all nations will benefit from the opening of this corridor. We believe this is possible with the agreement of all stakeholders and we know it starts with an agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan," said O'Brien.

As for financing the work to complete the infrastructure of the Middle Corridor, O'Brien said the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, and US financial corporations may be interested in it.