Northern and Southern Armenia Could Be Connected by Nakhichevan Railway, Says Kostanyan

During a panel discussion at the World Policy Conference, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan announced the practical significance of the "Peace Crossroads" (TRIP) project. He clarified that the program belongs entirely to Armenia, and the country is greatly interested in reactivating regional communications.

According to the deputy minister, TRIP is a strategic project that connects Central Asia with Europe and ensures mutual interests. Its implementation will create the opportunity to establish a link not only between the East and West, but also between the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea. Practically, this will allow the railway to connect the southern and northern regions of Armenia through Nakhichevan.

Kostanyan informed that negotiations are ongoing with the American side about establishing a joint Armenian-American enterprise. Preparatory work for technical-economic justification has already begun. As an example of regional cooperation, he pointed to the precedent of importing wheat from Kazakhstan via Azerbaijani and Georgian railways after August 8.

In the context of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, the deputy minister noted that "institutionalization of peace" is underway. The two countries have started direct trade; Armenia is already importing fuel from Azerbaijan, and the list of Armenian products to be exported to Azerbaijan will soon be clarified. In addition to economic ties, mutual meetings of civil society representatives are also being held.

Vahan Kostanyan also emphasized the importance of the trilateral consultation format with Georgia and the prospects for broad regional cooperation.