Yerevan: Armenia announced that the first shipment of Azerbaijani fuel is crossing into the country through neighboring Georgia. Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan shared on Facebook that a train consisting of 22 wagons carrying 1,300 tons of Azerbaijani-origin A95 gasoline is currently making its way into Armenia via the railway station in Ayrum.

According to Anadolu Agency, this development marks a significant milestone in the trade relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It is reported that this is possibly the first trade and economic transaction between the two nations since the establishment of peace and their respective independence. This shipment follows an announcement from the Azerbaijani state news agency Azertac, which stated that the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is delivering petroleum products to Armenia for the first time. The shipment of 1,220 tons of fuel was initially dispatched from a terminal in Baku and is being transported through Georgia to reach Armenia.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed his support for this development, noting that the trade is occurring between private companies. He emphasized that the peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan has created the necessary political conditions for such trade. This sentiment follows Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's October announcement about lifting all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia, which Pashinyan regarded as an 'extremely important announcement.'

The trade agreement is part of a broader initiative to normalize relations between the two Southern Caucasus neighbors. In August, both countries signed a declaration at a trilateral summit at the White House, alongside US President Donald Trump, committing to end longstanding hostilities, reopen transport routes, and improve bilateral relations.