On October 1, at the expanded meeting of the Intergovernmental Council of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in Yerevan, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented the Armenian government's "Crossroads of Peace" project, aimed at strengthening economic ties and developing the region’s transport and logistics potential.
At the beginning of his speech, Pashinyan welcomed high-ranking guests, including Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber and Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov. The Prime Minister of Armenia emphasized the importance of expanding the EAEU’s cooperation with these countries, noting that "the involvement of the Islamic Republic of Iran in cooperation with the EAEU undoubtedly expands the possibilities for economic interaction and enjoys our full support."
The key point of Pashinyan's address was the presentation of the "Crossroads of Peace" project. "The project's goal is to create the most favorable conditions for the development of trade and economic relations among all interested states, as well as to significantly enhance the logistics potential of the region, based on full respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of countries, principles of equality, and reciprocity," the Prime Minister said.
Pashinyan particularly emphasized Armenia's readiness to ensure the safety of transit through its territory: "The Republic of Armenia is fully prepared to ensure the safe passage of goods, vehicles, and people through its territory." At the same time, he firmly dismissed rumors about possible restrictions on Armenia's sovereignty regarding regional communications, calling such claims "a clear distortion of reality."
Earlier, BMG reported that in late October 2023, Armenia presented the "Crossroads of Peace" project, which essentially is the Armenian version of a project aimed at unlocking communications in the region after the 44-day war. From Yerevan's point of view, this is one of the components of the process of establishing a durable peace in the South Caucasus, and if implemented, it could change Armenia's status, helping it to emerge from isolation and become a logistical hub in the region.
