On October 20 in Luxembourg, within the framework of the Ministerial Meeting on the topic of Cross-regional Security and Connectivity, organized by the European Union, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan also participated in the discussion on Advancing a cross-regional Connectivity Agenda.
This discussion, held in this format for the first time, brought together EU member states, as well as countries from the wider Black Sea region and Central Asia.
During the two discussions held in Luxembourg, the participating states and EU officials welcomed in their speeches the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing its importance for the expansion of connectivity and the promotion of cross-regional cooperation, including through the implementation of the TRIPP route.
In his remarks, Minister Mirzoyan noted:
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- I am glad to continue our discussions in this extended format, with the involvement of our partners from Central Asia. We believe that the development of resilient and diversified connectivity links between the EU, Türkiye, South Caucasus, and Central Asia is the key to unlocking the region’s economic potential and ensuring long-term prosperity.
- Dear colleagues, only a glance at the map explains why Armenia is strongly interested in the promotion of wider connectivity across trade, transport, digital, and energy sectors. It is a strategic priority for my country. We view regional connectivity not only as an engine of economic growth but also as a vital instrument for strengthening resilience, promoting social development, and ensuring lasting peace and stability in our region.
- We firmly believe that inclusive and equitable connectivity, built on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national jurisdiction, is indispensable for regional cooperation and sustainable development. In this light, we continue to advance the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative, which can contribute to regional and global trade by providing new opportunities for the movement of cargo, goods, and, of course, people.
- Encouragingly, this vision is beginning to take shape. The historic meeting between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, hosted by the President of the United States in Washington, DC, has opened a genuine window of opportunity to unblock regional communications. The full implementation of the Joint Declaration and the TRIPP connectivity project, TRIPP route, could transform the South Caucasus into an efficient and secure transit and logistics hub. In this context, I would like to express my appreciation as during our last session, last discussion, most of you attached huge importance and expressed hope for further strengthening and institutionalization of the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
- In this context, the unblocking of the infrastructure between Armenia and Türkiye is a key component, as well. The reopening of the Gyumri-Kars railway between Armenia and Türkiye doesn’t need major investments, and within a short period of time, we will have an operable railway, which, together with the Armenia-Azerbaijan rail link, can become a component of the Middle Corridor project. Moreover, it will immediately create a joint railway network between the Persian Gulf, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
- Connectivity does not end with transport. We are equally committed to building the digital and energy links of the future.
- Armenia attaches great importance to digitalization as a key enabler of trade, governance, and innovation. Strengthening digital trade corridors, improving cross-border data flows, and enhancing interoperability between digital systems are essential for building resilient supply chains and ensuring smoother logistics.”
- Integrating sustainability into connectivity planning is aimed at contributing to a greener, safer, and more inclusive future. Therefore, infrastructure projects improving regional communication links must go hand in hand with the efforts to decarbonize energy systems and promote renewable sources. Armenia commends joint efforts to promote clean energy transition, enhance energy efficiency and develop climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Concluding, Armenia is determined to evolve from a land-locked into a land-linked nation – a true crossroads of peace, connectivity, and prosperity. And in this regard, we will be happy to be useful for our partners, neighbours.
Thank you.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia