"Armenia can benefit from Azerbaijan's infrastructure if it adheres to the provisions of the statement signed with Azerbaijan and Russia on November 9 last year," Mansur Barkhudarov, the director of the Russian Economic School of the Azerbaijan State University of Economics, Associate Professor, told report.az commenting on the temporary implementation of natural gas supplies from Russia to Armenia over Azerbaijan in connection with the repair work on the North Caucasus - South Caucasus Pipeline.
"This shows that the future of Armenia depends on Azerbaijan. If communications and roads are not opened, it cannot build and develop this infrastructure alone. The current economic potential of the country does not allow it. Therefore, Armenia has no alternative but to adhere to the provisions of the tripartite statement and take a constructive position by renouncing revanchist intentions. Otherwise, our neighbor, which is in political turmoil, will also face the prospect of being dragged into a deep economic crisis."
The expert noted that this is also an indicator of Azerbaijan's robust and efficient energy infrastructure: "Our country is practically committed to the November 9 statement, which is also a message to the other side. Thus, as soon as Armenia takes a constructive approach, Azerbaijan will provide the opening of communications. Such a step by Azerbaijan is vital for Armenia, which has driven itself to a deadlock. The restoration of infrastructure can play an essential role in becoming a participant in new regional projects by increasing its attractiveness for foreign investment."
On March 16, Gazprom Export LLC and the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) signed a short-term agreement to temporarily supply natural gas from the Russian Federation to Armenia via Azerbaijan. The reason is the repair work on the pipeline. Upon completion of the repair work, gas will be transported again through Georgia.
