PanARMENIAN.Net - Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced during a panel discussion in Berlin, hosted by the German Council on Foreign Relations and titled "Armenia's vision for institutionalized peace, regional connectivity, and EU integration", that Armenia is ready to immediately allow cargo transit between Turkey and Azerbaijan through its territory.
He spoke about recent developments in Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, noting that practical engagement is emerging in the region, potentially laying a foundation for long-term peace, according to Armenpress.
He recalled Azerbaijan's recent decision to lift restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia via its territory.
"I welcome this decision and the statement by the President of Azerbaijan, as it marks a significant and positive development. What seemed impossible just months ago is now reality. Grain from Kazakhstan is being transported to Armenia by rail through Azerbaijan and Georgia," Pashinyan said, calling it an unprecedented moment in Armenia's post-independence history.
Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia, being both politically and technically prepared, is already capable of enabling cargo transit between Turkey and Azerbaijan.
"I'm confident that with daily commitment to peace, fidelity to the spirit of the Washington Declaration, and rejection of narrative disruptions, the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan can institutionalize lasting peace between our countries," he concluded.
He also said that Armenia-Turkey contacts have significantly intensified in recent months, accelerating the normalization process.
"These contacts are happening across nearly all levels: between me and President Erdoan, our foreign ministers and special envoys, as well as relevant ministerial bodies. In practice, we maintain very active talks with official Ankara, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations," Pashinyan said.
He expressed hope that Turkey would eventually make the anticipated decision to open its border with Armenia and establish diplomatic relations.
According to Pashinyan, improved Armenia-Turkey ties, peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the TRIPP initiative, friendly relations with Georgia and Iran, and constructive dialogue with Russia could help position the South Caucasus as a critical transit hub for North-South and East-West routes.
"We are making every effort to seize this historic opportunity," the Prime Minister emphasized.
Pashinyan added that Berlin supports Armenia and Turkey in their efforts to improve relations and reopen the border.
"This means Armenia will gain direct access, including land and rail connections, to the EU, including Germany. It will be a game-changer in economic, political, and investment terms. I am pleased that Germany supports the Armenia-Turkey normalization, the reopening of the border, and ultimately the establishment of diplomatic ties," he said.
He expressed confidence that in the context of opening regional transport routes, reopening the Armenian-Turkish border is achievable.
Prime Minister Pashinyan is on an official visit to Germany. He has met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz. On December 10, Pashinyan will travel to Hamburg for further meetings.
Source: PanArmenian.Net
