Armenia Offers a New Road to the World: Papoyan

Gegham Papoyan, Armenia's Minister of Economy, noted in a recent press conference that the ongoing negotiations regarding transportation routes between Armenia and Azerbaijan have predominantly taken place in a bilateral format. He stated, “I believe that the bilateral format has yielded results, because if someone participates in a different format, whether they want to or not, they come with their own interests. We must continue to work in a bilateral format.”

Addressing the construction of a railway, he said, “The railway represents a new narrative to the world. We are telling the world that there is a new route for freight transport from west to east and north to south, especially since previously operational routes are closed for both objective and subjective reasons. The ‘crossroads of peace’ concept is a way for Armenia, its neighbors, and the world to make money; we are offering an alternative, easier route to the existing complex pathways. This is not just a matter between Armenia and Azerbaijan; Armenia is offering a new road to the world.”

Referring to the closed borders with neighbors, he remarked, “We have always thought that it’s very good when our borders with our neighbors are closed, and narratives have even circulated that if the border opens, it will be our end. In reality, we haven’t closed the border against anyone; those countries have closed it to economically neutralize Armenia, which has succeeded, and our economy was not prepared for that war. We are now saying that we have no issues with our neighbors, we have no territorial claims against anyone, and we are ready to start a new chapter in our relations.”