Azerbaijan’s recent decision to lift all restrictions on cargo transportation to Armenia serves multiple purposes — both foreign policy and propaganda-related. This opinion was expressed by regional affairs expert Armen Petrosyan.
Petrosyan emphasized that this step involving cargo transit is no coincidence. According to him, through this move, Baku is trying to influence the ongoing negotiations around the TRIPP project and to build a positive image in the eyes of the United States.
“From a propaganda standpoint, Azerbaijan is trying to use this situation to, so to speak, please the United States,” the expert said.
Petrosyan assessed that discussions concerning TRIPP and its regulation will continue for quite some time. However, Azerbaijan is attempting, by every possible means — including through U.S. mediation — to influence the course of negotiations and secure the most favorable outcomes for itself.
He also noted that these actions reflect a “competitive logic” formed within the broader peace process. According to him, even after the 2020 war, Baku sought to act as the initiator, positioning itself as a leading party in discussions over the text of the peace agreement.
“Now Azerbaijan is again trying to create the impression that it is the main initiator in building peace. This is very important, because for Azerbaijan the issue is not limited to its relations with Armenia, but concerns a wider question of regional political positioning,” Petrosyan noted.
The expert observed that Baku is striving to assert itself as a regional power, taking proactive positions particularly in regions where the United States is involved.
“We can see that Azerbaijan is trying to support the U.S. on various fronts — from humanitarian programs in Syria, to monitoring the ceasefire in Gaza, to helping reduce dependence on Iranian gas in Iraq and elsewhere,” he said.
According to Petrosyan, Azerbaijan’s latest moves in the South Caucasus should also be viewed in this context.
“In our region as well, Azerbaijan is seeking to strengthen its position by aligning with U.S. policy, demonstrating that it is proactive and pragmatic in its efforts to assume a leadership role in the peace process,” Armen Petrosyan concluded.