On July 21, Nazeli Baghdasaryan, the Press Secretary of the Prime Minister of Armenia, responded to questions regarding recent statements by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev about the "Zangezur Corridor." Baghdasaryan emphasized that the Republic of Armenia has never discussed, is not discussing, and will not discuss the terminology and logic presented by Aliyev. Instead, Armenia is focused on its "Crossroads of Peace" project, which aims to unblock transport links based on full respect for the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and jurisdiction of both countries, and the principle of reciprocity. She stated that no other options were discussed at the July 10 meeting in Abu Dhabi or at any other time.

Baghdasaryan described Aliyev’s statement that Azerbaijani citizens should not have to encounter Armenian border services as an unacceptable and hidden territorial claim that contradicts existing agreements. Reiterating Prime Minister Pashinyan’s remarks, she explained that all cargo and individuals entering Armenian territory must undergo mandatory customs and border controls aligned with international standards to prevent smuggling and manage safety risks. She underlined that it is impossible to cross Armenian territory without interaction with the country’s relevant services, as both nations have international obligations to combat crime through such controls. Baghdasaryan noted these checks can use modern, sometimes contactless technologies. Furthermore, she clarified that internationally recognized transit fees must be paid to ensure Armenia receives revenue.

On security, Armenia assumes responsibility for safety on its territory, and the "Crossroads of Peace" project envisages a specialized unit within its National Security Service to protect transit. Any investment in Armenian territory must occur under Armenia’s sovereignty. Regarding the railway, Baghdasaryan confirmed Armenia has repeatedly submitted proposals to Azerbaijan for unblocking transport, including having Armenian trains and drivers operate between Azerbaijan’s western regions and Nakhchivan, but Azerbaijan has either ignored or rejected them. She clarified that Armenia would only be motivated to build a 42-km railway in its Syunik region if a comprehensive agreement with Azerbaijan is reached.

Baghdasaryan affirmed that Armenia and Azerbaijan are "very close" to signing a peace agreement and that the question of dissolving the Minsk Group is being actively discussed. She reiterated that the process of constitutional revision is part of Armenia’s internal agenda, unrelated to negotiations with Azerbaijan, and noted that the Constitutional Court had already ruled in September 2024 that the constitution contains no territorial claims. Finally, she confirmed that the issue of prisoners and missing persons is raised in all discussions.