Armenian FM: Yerevan ready to open transport links with Azerbaijan

Armenia has expressed strong interest in the rapid construction, reopening, and resumption of transport connections with Azerbaijan, as it stands to be one of the main beneficiaries, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said in an interview with the Polish TV channel TVP World, according to Caliber.Az.

“When it comes to rail transport, experts estimate that its construction could take at least two years. But we can, for example, send and receive cargo using the infrastructure and territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan,” Mirzoyan explained.

He recalled that the text of the peace agreement with Azerbaijan has already been initialled and stressed that the Armenian side is prepared to sign the treaty as soon as possible.

“The Azerbaijani side is putting forward certain preconditions, which we do not share. However, even before the final signing ceremony of the peace treaty, there are processes that are already underway or can be implemented before the signing. For example, we discussed the possibility of greater tolerance towards each other and the prospects for cooperation in international forums,” Mirzoyan said.

The minister also highlighted the longstanding issues in Armenian-Azerbaijani relations arising from decades of conflict, including the cessation of the OSCE Minsk Group’s activities and the ongoing delimitation of 12 km of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

“The conflict has left a heavy psychological burden. Both sides have a history and memory of bloodshed. I think that societies on both sides are probably still exercising a certain degree of caution. The reconciliation process will take time. Peace has been established, but it requires constant care and daily efforts on both sides. In this context, I must note that aggressive rhetoric from either side does not contribute to this process in any way,” Mirzoyan said.

By Tamilla Hasanova