Armenia and Turkey’s transport ministers recently held discussions regarding the reopening of the Kars-Gyumri railway line as part of the "Crossroads of Peace" project.
Armenia’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Gnel Sanosyan, provided a positive assessment of his recent meeting with Turkish Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, sharing details with journalists on November 4.
According to the Armenian minister, the two sides explored the potential of reviving dormant transport infrastructure, specifically focusing on the Kars-Gyumri railway. Particular attention was given to Armenia's "Crossroads of Peace" initiative and its possible impact on regional development.
"We have preliminary estimates regarding both the timeline and necessary financial resources for the restoration work," noted Sanosyan. He added that with continued constructive dialogue, the discussions could progress into a specific project with a clear implementation plan.
The "Crossroads of Peace" project envisions Armenia as a transit corridor, facilitating the movement of transport, goods, passengers, as well as energy and telecommunications networks across its territory. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasizes that this route could provide the shortest connection between the Black Sea and the Persian Gulf, running through Iran, Armenia, and Georgia.
The corridor would also offer the shortest route between the Caspian and Marmara Seas, linking Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey.
Additionally, the project includes potential transportation links between Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan exclave. To support this, Armenia has proposed mechanisms to simplify customs and border procedures, along with additional security measures. These provisions underscore respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the participating countries, making the project a potentially vital element for stable economic and transport development in the region.
