Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, after the preliminary results of the parliamentary elections were announced, made an address, confirming Yerevan's commitment to peace, regional cooperation, and the normalization of relations with neighboring countries.
Modern.az reports that in response to a journalist's question about what message he wanted to convey to the people of Turkey and Azerbaijan after the victory of the political force he led in the elections, Pashinyan stated that official Yerevan's position remains unchanged.
"The message is the same. The Armenian people are in favor of peace, regional prosperity, and regional cooperation. I hope this will be positively received by both Turkey and Azerbaijan," Pashinyan said.
According to the Prime Minister, one of Armenia's main priorities is to strengthen the peace process with Azerbaijan on an institutional basis.
"We must institutionalize peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan," he emphasized.
Pashinyan also touched upon Armenia-Turkey relations. He noted that Yerevan hopes for the continuation of the normalization process and the opening of the state border between the two countries.
"The border with Turkey must be opened. That is, Turkey must open the border, and at the same time, diplomatic relations must be established," the Prime Minister said.
The head of government also positively assessed the recent steps in the transport sector and expressed gratitude for the decision to open the Akhalkalaki-Kars railway route for Armenian cargo.
"We thank you for the decision to open the Akhalkalaki-Kars railway route for both export and import of Armenian goods," he noted.
According to Pashinyan's assessment, a positive dynamic is currently observed in relations between Armenia and Turkey, but additional efforts are needed to achieve full results.
"There is a very good dynamic in our relations with Turkey, and we are currently satisfied with it. However, to achieve final progress, this dynamic must be continued. I mean the establishment of diplomatic relations and, of course, the full opening of the border," the Prime Minister said.
Speaking about relations with Azerbaijan, Pashinyan reminded that the parties have already initially agreed on the text of the peace agreement and now it is necessary to proceed with its signing.
"As for Azerbaijan, as you know, we have an initially agreed peace treaty. We must sign it," the head of the Armenian government said.
The Prime Minister pointed to the implementation of the "Crossroads of Peace" project, which the Armenian authorities consider to be of strategic importance for the entire South Caucasus, as one of the most important directions of regional policy.
According to Pashinyan, the realization of this project can fundamentally change the economic and transport architecture of the region.
"It is necessary to start the implementation of the 'Crossroads of Peace' project as soon as possible. This project can fundamentally change the situation in the entire region," he said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that it is not only about economic cooperation but also about overcoming the restrictions of isolation and blockade that have lasted for many years.
"This project is of great importance because it means the exit of our region from the blockade. This is indeed very important news. Thus, our region is moving out of a dead end and becoming a space where roads and opportunities intersect," Pashinyan noted.
According to him, the implementation of such initiatives can create new development opportunities for all states in the region and strengthen an environment of long-term stability.
A.Gorkhmaz
