Responding to recent comments made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan regarding the unblocking of regional transport routes, Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan reaffirmed that Armenia remains firmly committed to advancing regional connectivity and economic development.
In a statement to Armenpress, Badalyan emphasized:
“Armenia has always been — and continues to be — interested in the expansion of regional interconnectedness and sustainable economic growth. It is with this vision that the Republic of Armenia introduced the ‘Crossroads of Peace’ initiative, accompanied by specific proposals and practical, constructive solutions.”
Her remarks came after President Erdoğan noted what he described as a more “flexible” approach from Armenia on issues related to transport links and regional economic integration. Erdoğan also reiterated the concept of a “corridor” — a term that has long been controversial in Armenia-Turkey and Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue.
Badalyan clarified that Armenia’s position on unblocking regional transport infrastructure remains rooted in core principles:
“Our approach is based on the fundamental principles of sovereignty and national jurisdiction over communication routes. There has been — and continues to be — no consideration of alternative frameworks that would compromise these principles.”
She added that discussions with relevant stakeholders are ongoing, and Armenia is actively promoting a framework that delivers mutually beneficial outcomes not just for countries in the region, but also for international partners interested in expanding wider transportation networks.
The “Crossroads of Peace” initiative, launched by Armenia in recent years, aims to establish Armenia as a key regional transit hub, while upholding national control over its territory and infrastructure — a position that contrasts with some regional proposals involving extraterritorial corridors.
The latest remarks reflect the delicate diplomatic balancing act in the South Caucasus, as Armenia continues talks with Turkey, Azerbaijan, and other actors amid a shifting geopolitical landscape.
