RA NA Speaker: Economic cooperation is an important tool for  maintaining international peace and security

ArmInfo. Solving problems  in the South Caucasus region requires a comprehensive approach, and  in this sense, economic cooperation is an important tool for  maintaining international peace and security. Alen Simonyan, the  Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, made  this statement while addressing the General Assembly of the  Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.

According to him, as quoted by the press service of the RA NA,  Armenia is a landlocked country and faces challenges in accessing  global markets. "We therefore recognize the importance of equal and  inclusive connectivity, open borders and fully functioning transport  infrastructure for the economic well-being of the region. Removing  political barriers to the free movement of people, goods and  services, and ensuring economic and social human rights, including  the right to development, are essential for the full realization of  the economic potential of the Black Sea region and integration into  global markets," Simonyan noted. He emphasized the significance of  the Black Sea region for enhancing trade and transport communications  in the East-West and North-South directions. By implementing existing  initiatives, the region can significantly improve the sustainability  and quality of its transport infrastructure,  streamline customs  procedures, and promote trade. 

"Thanks to its geographical location, the South Caucasus can  facilitate economic cooperation and trade between Europe and Asia.  Unblocking all commercial and transport communications in the South  Caucasus will open up new opportunities not only for the economic  development of the region but also for people-to- people contacts and  development of cultural ties based on full respect for the principles  of sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and reciprocity.  This, in turn, will contribute to security and stability in the  region and beyond," the speaker said. Simonyan mentioned that guided  by this vision, the Armenian government presented the Crossroads of  Peace initiative. "As part of our peace program, this initiative aims  developing regional communications in accordance with international  law, respecting sovereignty and jurisdiction of all parties involved.  The Crossroads of Peace program has the potential to connect the  Persian Gulf, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea, promoting the  expansion of economic cooperation and trade. 

Armenia constructively participated in negotiations with Azerbaijan  to unblock the transport infrastructure.  The successful outcome of  this process can restore the region's role in international cargo  transportation, benefiting our countries and peoples. The project  aims to shift the paradigm of relations from confrontation to  cooperation in our region. We expect that the parliaments of PABSEC  member states will support this initiative, which aligns with  international law principles and norms," the Chairman of the RA  National Assembly concluded.