Armenia interested in unblocking all communications in the region - Mirzoyan
YEREVAN, October 18. /ARKA/. Armenia attaches great importance to regional consultations and engagements, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said at the 3+3 meeting of foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia and Turkey in Istanbul on Friday.
He said continuous and sincere dialogue, fostering people-to-people contacts, revitalizing trade and economic ties as well as ensuring inclusiveness in regional initiatives and projects are essential prerequisites for overcoming existing contradictions and achieving better cooperation, development and prosperity of our countries.
‘We strongly believe that responsible approaches and constructive efforts of all regional actors to this end at the same time will largely contribute to achieving peace and stability in the region.”
‘As a long-standing advocate for inclusive and equitable transport connectivity to promote trade and cooperation, Armenia is sincerely interested in unblocking all economic and transport communications in our region. Our vision of enhanced regional connectivity is clearly reflected in the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative, which was introduced by the Prime Minister of Armenia one year ago.
‘The key essence of this project is to develop communications among all countries in the region and beyond through the renovation, construction and operation of roads, railways, pipelines, cables, and electricity lines. Four principles are essential for the implementation of this project: respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of all states, as well as equality and reciprocity. When implemented, the “Crossroads of Peace” could become an integral part of global logistic routes, ensuring greater speed and efficiency in the passage of goods.
I am glad to stress that this initiative has been welcomed by many of our partners, and Iran was among the first ones. Having a mutual commitment to extend our trade and connectivity, Armenia is taking active practical steps for the construction of the North-South highway, assessing the advantages of using the Chabahar port as well as working to reciprocally reduce road fees between our countries.
While enhancing the capabilities for our border services and customs control with neighbors, Armenian Borderguard service is to fully overtake the operation on the Armenia-Iran border checkpoint from January 1, 2025.’-0-
