Ararat Mirzoyan Presents 'Crossroads of Peace' Project in Tbilisi

We can state that, of course, as my esteemed colleague mentioned, this year was also full of bilateral contacts between our countries, an active political dialogue, and visits at the highest and high levels have been regular. Last month, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia was in Tbilisi to participate in the "Silk Road" international conference. Soon, the President of the Republic of Armenia will visit Georgia. This is stated in the statement of the RA Foreign Minister, which was made for the press following the meeting with the Georgian Foreign Minister.

"The direct contacts and cooperation between our various ministries are of a daily nature. Our bilateral agenda is multi-layered, covering active cooperation in all areas, from economy to security, from education and culture to tourism and people-to-people contacts, visits. However, also not to repeat the areas and events listed by my colleague, I will focus on one direction that is gaining greater importance in the context of modern trends and, accordingly, requires more attention. That is connectivity. And when I say connectivity, I mean at both macro and micro levels: at the macro level, the operation of communication channels in the region, the economic and trade ties between the two countries, and at the micro level, the connectivity between people, individuals in trade, business, work, tourism, and other areas. This connectivity is truly more in demand than ever and is an important guarantee of the well-being of our citizens.

In terms of connectivity at the macro level, I must, of course, immediately mention the potential of each of our countries and the region as a whole, the South Caucasus, to become a bridge through mutually beneficial cooperation between other regions with a wider geography that are greatly interested in this connectivity. In this context, the 'Crossroads of Peace' project, this initiative of the RA Government, which the Prime Minister of Armenia presented right here in Tbilisi, is not new. But what is new here is the fact of the establishment of peace: a peace that was established between Armenia and Azerbaijan with the agreements reached in Washington on August 8 with the involvement of the US President. We are convinced that with the establishment of this peace, with the continuous strengthening of peace and sovereignty, our region can truly turn into a crossroads, a hub of communication channels.

The unblocking of infrastructures between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including the implementation of the 'Trump's Route for International Peace and Prosperity' program in the territory of Armenia, within the framework of the principles of territorial integrity, inviolability of borders, sovereignty, and jurisdiction, will ensure mutual advantages, and what is most important, profitability of peace for the countries of the region, not conflict, and therefore, stability.

This unblocking will create unimpeded communication between all the countries of the South Caucasus and neighboring regions, including, for example, providing Georgia with a railway link to the Persian Gulf. The opening of the Gyumri-Kars railway on the Armenia-Turkey border can, of course, also be of significant importance in this regard, becoming an important part of the Europe-Central Asia communication chain with the Georgian railways.

This is Armenia's vision and the basis for practical steps.

Dear colleagues,

Naturally, the traditional Armenian-Georgian friendship, which has now found its expression in our strategic partnership document, can both contribute to and benefit from these developments.

Through the strategic partnership, we must continuously promote the expansion and strengthening of connectivity and, on the contrary, not allow obstacles on that path. Today, my colleague and I discussed this vision, this approach, and I think there is a mutually beneficial understanding on both sides. Naturally, we are aware of the problems raised by business circles, and we have a political understanding for addressing them.

The strong bond between our two peoples is also expressed through culture: this year in June, Georgian Culture Days were held in Yerevan, and now preparations are underway for Armenian Culture Days in Georgia.

I must note with satisfaction that parallel to the interaction in various sectoral directions, the cooperation established between the Foreign Ministries is also intensive. Consultations and contacts are regular. The last session of official consultations took place in August in Yerevan.

Dear attendees,

My colleague and I exchanged views on various international topics.

We also discussed issues of interaction on multilateral platforms, in executive and legislative directions.

Next spring, Armenia will host the European Political Community summit, for which we will be waiting for the Georgian side in Yerevan.

In conclusion, I want to once again thank you, dear Minister Bochorishvili, for today's discussions and for the readiness to consistently advance the strategic, practical connectivity between Armenia and Georgia," Mirzoyan's statement said.