RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan gave a speech at the ministerial meeting of the “3+3” regional consultative platform. The transcript of the speech is below. “Dear Minister Fidan, Dear Ministers and colleagues, I would like to express my gratitude to Turkey and my colleague Hakan Fidan for organizing the ministerial meeting of the “3+3” regional consultative platform in Istanbul. Armenia attaches great importance to regional consultations and contacts. Continuous and sincere dialogue, promotion of people-to-people contacts, restoration of trade and economic ties, as well as ensuring the inclusiveness of regional initiatives and programs are important prerequisites for overcoming existing contradictions and achieving better cooperation, development and prosperity between our countries. We strongly believe that the responsible approaches and constructive efforts of all regional actors to achieve this goal will greatly contribute to the establishment of peace and stability in the region. Dear Partners, As a long-time supporter of inclusive and non-discriminatory transport links, Armenia is sincerely interested in unblocking all economic and transport links in our region. Our vision of strengthening regional ties is clearly reflected in the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative, which was presented by the Prime Minister of Armenia a year ago. The main objective of this project is to develop communications between all countries in the region and beyond, through the reconstruction, construction and operation of roads, railways, pipelines, cables and power lines. Four principles are important for the implementation of this project: respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of all states, as well as equality and reciprocity. If implemented, the “Crossroads of Peace” could become an integral part of global logistics routes, providing greater speed and efficiency in the movement of goods. I am glad to emphasize that this initiative was welcomed by many of our partners, and Iran was one of the first among them. With a mutual commitment to expand our trade and communication links, Armenia is taking active practical steps towards the construction of the North-South Motorway, evaluating the benefits of using the Chabahar port, and working towards mutually reducing road tolls between our countries. Further developing the capabilities of our border services and customs control with our neighbors, the Border Guard Service of Armenia will fully take over operations at the Armenia-Iran border checkpoint from January 1, 2025. In this regard, I would like to express my gratitude to the relevant authorities of the Russian Federation for their support and service over the years. Dear colleagues, I am also happy to announce that after the joint assessment of the bridge between Armenia and Turkey, Armenia has already completed the construction and technical re-equipment of the Margara border crossing on the Armenia-Turkey border. In addition, Armenia and Turkey have already agreed to jointly assess the technical requirements for crossing the border with the Gyumri-Kars railway. This complements the already implemented decisions on the establishment of direct flights between Armenia and Turkey and the mutual lifting of air cargo transportation bans. The commissioning of the Gyumri-Kars railway between Armenia and Turkey, together with the railway connection between Armenia and Azerbaijan, will immediately provide an efficient connection between the Persian Gulf, the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. With this vision in mind, as you are all aware, we have proposed to Azerbaijan ways to restart our rail infrastructure, simplify border crossing and customs procedures, and provide some additional security mechanisms with full respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of both countries. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm that Armenia is sincerely interested and has already repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to contribute to the development of regional channels and the strengthening of interdependence with its neighbors based on the principles of the UN Charter, namely sovereignty, territorial integrity, the indivisibility of internationally recognized borders and political on independence. Thank you.”
2024-10-18