Armenia and Azerbaijan to Sign US-Brokered Framework Agreement for Nakhchivan Corridor

Leaders to sign in Washington amid dispute over territorial access and U.S. development rights

Armenia and Azerbaijan are set to sign a framework agreement this evening at the White House, establishing a land corridor between mainland Azerbaijan and its exclave of Nakhchivan, which is separated by a narrow strip of Armenian territory.

The agreement, brokered by a U.S. envoy, grants exclusive U.S. development rights for energy and infrastructure projects in the corridor, including oil and gas pipelines and a railway.

The corridor, to be known as the "Trump Road to Peace and International Prosperity," will remain under Armenian law and be leased by the United States to a private consortium.

No purchase cost will be required; development will be carried out commercially by private companies.

Azerbaijan has long sought a direct land connection to Nakhchivan, while Armenia opposed third-party control.

Negotiations have included constitutional issues, with Azerbaijan calling for Armenia to amend its constitution to drop claims over Nagorno-Karabakh, though that change has not yet occurred.

Armenia has agreed to cede several border villages to Azerbaijan.

Turkey stands to benefit from enhanced connections, with Armenia signaling intent to normalise relations and resume trade.

Meanwhile, Russia's influence in the region appears reduced, with officials noting its focus is elsewhere.