During the 49th meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ararat Mirzoyan, highlighted significant progress in regional cooperation, including discussions on reopening the Gyumri-Kars railway between Armenia and Turkey.
Mirzoyan announced that Armenia and Turkey have reached a preliminary agreement to jointly assess the technical requirements for the border crossing via the Gyumri-Kars railway. These discussions mark an important step towards fostering long-term economic and transport collaboration, aimed at building trust among countries in the region.
Armenia has also proposed mechanisms to Azerbaijan for the reactivation of railway infrastructure, including simplifying border crossing and customs procedures. Mirzoyan emphasized that the “Peace Crossroads” initiative aims to strengthen economic interconnectedness based on the principles of respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This initiative, which has already received positive feedback from international partners, holds significant potential for enhancing regional economic development and integrating the region into global transport networks.
Mirzoyan further noted that the BSEC region has suffered from ongoing conflicts and military operations, yet Armenia remains committed to achieving peace, security, and stability through sustained dialogue and cooperation.
During the session, Armenia’s presidency presented several accomplishments, including an agreement on BSEC’s 2025 budget, amendments to staff regulations, and the expansion of the Project Development Fund’s activities.
While the prospect of reopening the Gyumri-Kars railway and fostering regional cooperation is undoubtedly significant, it warrants a cautious and critical approach. Historical complexities and unresolved tensions in the region necessitate a thorough evaluation of such initiatives to ensure they align with Armenia’s long-term national interests, sovereignty, and security.
The announcement of technical assessments and infrastructure discussions must be accompanied by clear guarantees of reciprocity, transparency, and respect for international law. Without these safeguards, such projects risk being perceived as one-sided concessions rather than genuine steps toward equitable collaboration.
Moreover, the proposal to simplify customs and border-crossing procedures with Azerbaijan requires heightened scrutiny, given the history of hostile actions and unfulfilled commitments. Any engagement must prioritize Armenia’s territorial integrity and national security while fostering trust through tangible, verifiable actions from all parties involved.
Ultimately, the “Peace Crossroads” initiative has inherent flaws due to the conflicting interests of international powers and frameworks. It is crucial to ensure vigilance so that Armenia’s strategic interests are safeguarded at domestic, regional, and international levels—an area where the current government is failing.
