FM: Armenia supports reopening of regional transport routes

PanARMENIAN.Net - During a joint press conference with Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili in Yerevan, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan reiterated that Armenia fully supports the reopening of transport routes and has put forward constructive proposals to Azerbaijan on this issue, awaiting a favorable response from Baku.

He also stated that the Armenian side is ready to discuss simplified transit mechanisms with Azerbaijan, Pastinfo reported.

"Naturally, understanding that the 21st century is an era of logistical facilitation and simplification, we also foresee simplified procedures with Azerbaijan once or if the routes are unblocked. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan can benefit from this," Mirzoyan said.

He further emphasized that the reopening of transport routes would also be beneficial for Georgia.

*"We are confident that the way we envision this reopening will bring significant economic, and not only economic, benefits to the entire region—Armenia, Azerbaijan, and, of course, Georgia.

Broadly speaking, our approach is reflected in the 'Crossroads of Peace' initiative, which is based on fundamental principles: territorial integrity of states, national sovereignty over transport infrastructure, and the application of national legislation in respective territories,"* he noted.

On January 30, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and a delegation will visit Armenia. The visit will include a private meeting between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Kobakhidze, followed by a session of the Armenian-Georgian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.