Mirzoyan: Armenia needs to unblock transport links with Azerbaijan

Armenia is seeking to establish transport communication with Azerbaijan as quickly as possible, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said.

He explained that Yerevan's interest in accelerating the construction and opening of communication with Azerbaijan stems from Armenia's position as a key beneficiary of these projects.

The Foreign Minister clarified that the construction of a railway from Armenia to Azerbaijan could take at least two years.

"However, we can, for example, send and receive cargo using the infrastructure and territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the meantime," Mirzoyan said.

The FM also recalled the agreement between Baku and Yerevan on the mutual unblocking of transport connections. As a result, Armenia will gain access to Azerbaijan's railway system, Azerbaijan - to Armenia's, and the Zangezur Corridor will become part of this network. He stated that all the arrangements are going to be reciprocal, allowing Yerevan to connect the north and south of Armenia via a railway through the Nakhchivan territory - there is no railway connection now.

Peace Treaty

The diplomat noted that Baku and Yerevan have already initialed the text of a peace treaty and highlighted the Armenian side's readiness to sign it as soon as possible. At the same time, he added that even before the final signing ceremony of the peace treaty, processes are already underway or may proceed beforehand.

"For example, we discussed the possibility of greater tolerance and cooperation in international forums," Mirzoyan said.

Furthermore, the Armenian Foreign Minister acknowledged that the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict has left a profound psychological impact on both societies. He suggested this is likely why people in both Armenia and Azerbaijan may exhibit caution.

"The reconciliation process will take time. Peace is established, but it requires constant care and daily effort from both sides," Mirzoyan concluded.