Armenia sincerely committed to finalizing negotiations and signing  peace agreement within one month - Vahan Kostanyan

ArmInfo. On June 28, Deputy MInister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan participated  and delivered remarks at the 48th online meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC).

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan presented the priorities of Armenia's Chairmanship-in- Office in BSEC ?rganization to be assumed on July 1,  stressing the commitment of the Republic of Armenia to support  constructive dialogue and the exchange of best practices within the  BSEC framework.

The Deputy Foreign Minister in his remarks, particularly, noted:

"Distinguished Secretary General, Excellences, Dear Colleagues,

I would like to start by expressing my appreciation to the Government  of the Republic of Albania for leadership of the Organization during  their tenure and for efforts to advance dialogue and cooperation in  the framework of the BSEC. Our sincere thanks extend also to the  Secretary-General, H.E. Lazar Comanescu, and the BSEC PERMIS staff  for their work in strengthening the efficiency of the Organization  and support, extended to the member states.

I am confident that the effective realization of the core objectives  of the BSEC, notably promoting inclusive regional economic  cooperation and trade facilitation is essential for maintaining  regional peace and stability. 

As Armenia is assuming the Chairmanship-in-Office of the BSEC, I  would like to reiterate our commitment to support constructive  dialogue and the exchange of best practices to enhance regional  economic cooperation, in accordance with the Organization's statutory  objectives.

We also stress the importance of a project-oriented approach across  all BSEC areas, as outlined in the BSEC Economic Agenda. Armenia will  continue to support initiatives within the BSEC mandate, including  through the Project Development Fund.

Last but not least, the Armenian Chairmanship will advocate for  stronger collaboration and coordination between the BSEC Organization  and its related bodies, aiming to improve their synchronization,  complementarity, and overall harmonization of activities.   Distinguished colleagues,

The economy of the Republic of Armenia has seen significant growth in  recent years. Armenia's economy has expanded by nearly 30 percent,  with state budget revenues surging by over 91 percent. Additionally,  approximately 200,000 new jobs were created, reflecting an increase  of around 37 percent in the total number of jobs. The GDP per capita  has nearly doubled. There is a significant growth in the foreign  trade turnover with several BSEC Member States.

Alongside these impressive and encouraging figures on economic  growth, we are compelled to note that unprecedented challenges for  regional peace and security remain in place, seriously undermining  the progress in achieving sustainable socio-economic development in  the Black Sea region.

On its part, Armenia is committed to normalizing relations with its  neighboring countries. As a landlocked developing country with its  borders from East and West in blockade for over three decades,  Armenia fully realizes the importance of promoting inclusive and  equitable regional and cross-border connectivity, in accordance with  international law.

It is with this understanding that my country has engaged  constructively in peace negotiations with Azerbaijan, on a basis of  mutual recognition of territorial integrity and conduction of a  delimitation process based on the 1991 Almaty Declaration, and  opening of regional communications with respect for each state's  sovereignty and jurisdiction, guided by principles of equality and  reciprocity, as agreed upon by the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan  in Brussels in May and July 2023. Armenia is sincerely committed to  finalizing the negotiations and signing the Agreement within one  month and we call on Azerbaijan to reciprocate the constructive  approach without creating artificial obstacles.

Armenia is also committed to normalizing its relations with Turkiye  and reopening land borders. In this vein we stand ready to undertake  all necessary steps to operationalize the agreements reached by  Special Representatives with the view to sustain the current positive  momentum and advance further for the benefit of the two countries and  the region as a whole.

Excellences,

Being fully committed to establishing lasting peace in the South  Caucasus, unlocking the potential of the region to foster economic  and cultural exchanges between East and West, and South and North  through the promotion of trade and transport links, Armenia has  presented the initiative of  "Crossroad of Peace."

As part of our peace agenda, this project aims to enhance  communications between countries of the region by renovating,  building, and operating roads, railways, pipelines, cables, and  electricity lines, thus opening up new opportunities for the movement  of cargo, goods, and citizens and significantly enhancing our  region's integration into global transportation networks. We are  convinced that the "Crossroad of Peace" initiative can bring enormous  benefits to all countries of the Black Sea region.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Armenia's commitment to  promoting mutually beneficial cooperation within the framework of the  Organization, aimed at achieving innovative and sustainable  development.

We are confident that regional economic cooperation guided by the  principles outlined in the BSEC Charter can contribute to enhancing  peace, stability, prosperity and well-being of people in the Black  Sea region.

Thank you."

Following the meeting, a number of resolutions and decisions were  adopted. 

The BSEC member states wished success to Armenia on the occasion of  its upcoming Chairmanship-in- Office.