The opening ceremony of the 64th plenary session of the main assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation took place in Yerevan, during which the RA NA Speaker Alen Simonyan made an opening speech.
"I am happy to welcome the participants of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Assembly. Solving the challenges in our region requires a comprehensive approach. In that sense, economic cooperation is an important tool for maintaining international peace and security.
Armenia is a landlocked country and has systemic vulnerabilities in accessing global markets, so we recognize the importance of equal and inclusive interconnection, open borders, and fully functioning transport infrastructure for the economic well-being of the region.
The removal of political barriers to the free movement of people, goods and services, the realization of human economic and social rights, including the right to development, is a vital prerequisite for the full realization of the Black Sea region's economic potential and integration into global markets.
The Black Sea region is important in the context of the development of trade and transport communications in the East-West and North-South directions. In order to discover and realize the transport potential of the region, we must focus our efforts on the effective implementation of the mechanisms of the Black Sea.
The implementation of the "Black Sea Ring Highway" and "Sea Routes" initiatives can greatly increase the resilience and quality of transport infrastructure in our region. It is also important to develop joint mechanisms to facilitate trade and simplify customs procedures.
Due to its geographical location, the South Caucasus can contribute to economic cooperation and trade between Europe and Asia. The unblocking of all trade and transport communications in the South Caucasus will open up new opportunities not only for the economic development of the region, but also based on the full respect of the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and reciprocity. for contacts between people, cultural ties.
It will significantly contribute to security and stability in the region and beyond.
Guided by this vision, the Armenian government presented the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative.
As part of our peace agenda, this program aims to develop regional communications based on international law, the sovereignty and jurisdiction of states. The Crossroads of Peace program can effectively connect the Persian Gulf, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, contributing to the expansion of economic cooperation and trade. was involved in the negotiations with Azerbaijan regarding the unblocking of transport infrastructures, and the reactivation of communication channels with Turkey is no less important.
A successful outcome of this process can restore the importance of the region in international cargo transportation, contributing to the well-being of our countries and peoples and peace in the region.
"Crossroads of Peace" is aimed at cooperation in transforming the paradigm of relations from confrontation in our region.
We hope that the parliaments of the CSTO member states will support this initiative, which is fully consistent with the principles and norms of international law.
I am sure that with joint efforts we can significantly contribute to a better and prosperous future for all the countries of our region," said Simonyan.
