Azerbaijan Plans Shift of Cargo Transit from Georgia to Armenia, Opposition Warns of Risks
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said cargo currently transported through Georgia could soon be redirected through Armenia, signaling a potential shift in regional trade routes. He made the remarks during a speech at the Davos Economic Forum.
"Now we have received a request from the Armenian side to ensure transit from Armenia to Russia. We have de facto opened our corridor unilaterally. Yes, now the transportation goes through Georgia, but the day will come when the cargo will go through Armenia. And the day will come when Armenia will make direct calls from Azerbaijan, and this day is not far off," Aliyev said.
He also emphasized that Azerbaijan has lifted all restrictions on cargo transit from Kazakhstan and Russia to Armenia. While Georgia remains a transit route for now, Aliyev suggested that in the near future the Armenian corridor could become the main route for regional trade.
The statement drew a strong reaction from Georgia's opposition coalition, Lelo-Strong Georgia. The group warned that the country is losing its strategic position in the region and faces economic and security challenges as a result.
"The statement by Aliyev confirms that Georgia, which has long served as a transit country and reliable partner of the West, is now losing its position in the region," the coalition said.
Lelo-Strong Georgia criticized the Georgian Dream government, saying international isolation is weakening Georgia's influence. "Every day of rule by an illegitimate government in international isolation costs our country more. With suspended EU membership, canceled strategic cooperation with the United States, and the suspension of the Anaklia port project, Georgia is not only failing to gain new transit opportunities but is losing the ones it already has," the group said.
The coalition also warned that the shift threatens the country's security. "As Azerbaijan and Armenia develop new transit corridors with support from the United States and the European Union, Georgia is left with only one role, as a buffer zone between Russia and NATO member states. This leaves our citizens facing insecurity, poverty, and limited prospects," the statement said.
It added that the loss of Georgia's strategic function could have long-term consequences. "Against the background of our neighbors creating new transit opportunities, Georgia is not only unable to gain any new function but is losing the opportunities it currently has. Our country is losing significant economic resources and strategic significance," the coalition said.
Lelo-Strong Georgia said that urgent attention is needed to restore Georgia's economic and strategic position. "The situation risks leaving our citizens with insecurity, poverty, and a complete lack of prospects," it said.
