Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
On October 26, 2023, during the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan unveiled the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative. This ambitious project seeks to enhance Armenia’s and the broader region’s transit potential, strengthen interconnectivity among regional countries and lay the groundwork for sustainable peace. Armenia has committed to constructing and rehabilitating critical infrastructure along the North-South and East-West corridors, leveraging its strategic location as a regional connector to foster economic growth and regional integration.
Core Objectives of the Initiative
The “Crossroads of Peace” is a cornerstone of the regional peace agenda. Its primary aim is to develop robust communications between Armenia, Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia by upgrading and constructing essential infrastructure such as roads, railways, pipelines, cables, and power lines. By fostering connections, the initiative seeks to transform the South Caucasus into a hub for political dialogue, cultural exchange and international cooperation.
Armenia’s Strategic Vision
Armenia’s foreign policy approach underscores diversification by building new relationships with regional and global actors while maintaining ties with traditional partners. This includes establishing a new security system and forging defense partnerships to ensure long-term stability in the region. Armenia also recognizes that peace in the South Caucasus is contingent on open borders and strong economic, political and cultural ties facilitated by reliable infrastructure. Currently, Armenia has open roads with two of its four neighbors, while the remaining closed borders highlight unresolved conflicts.
Historical Context and Regional Importance
For centuries, the South Caucasus has served as a critical international trade route connecting East to West and North to South. The “Crossroads of Peace” aims to revitalize this historical role, positioning the region as a safe and efficient center for global trade and intercultural dialogue. Reactivating long-dormant East-West railways and highways would create a direct, efficient link from the Caspian to the Mediterranean, as well as a railway connection from the Gulf to Georgian ports on the Black Sea.
Infrastructure Projects and Connectivity
To achieve these goals, Armenia is prepared to establish seven checkpoints along its borders with Azerbaijan (Kayan, Sotk, near Karahunj, Yeraskh, near Angeghakot) and Turkey (Akhurik, Margara). The initiative includes restoring key railway sections:
- Nrnadzor-Agarak (43 km)
- The depleted sections from Hrazdan to Kayan (80 km)
- From Yeraskh to the border of NAR (1 km)
- The depleted sections from Gyumri to the border of Türkiye (6 km)
Additionally, five checkpoints for railway infrastructure will be established: four on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and one on the Armenia-Turkey border.
Guiding Principles
The “Crossroads of Peace” operates under the following principles:
- All infrastructure, including roads, railways, airways, pipelines, cables, and power lines, operates under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the countries they traverse.
- Each country ensures border, customs control and security of all infrastructure within its territory.
- Infrastructure can be used for both international and domestic transportation.
- Reciprocity and equality form the basis for using all infrastructure.
A special unit within Armenia’s National Security Service, in collaboration with the Patrol Police, has been set up to ensure the security of international communications, vehicles, cargo and passengers passing through the country.
Economic and Strategic Benefits
The initiative envisions Armenia’s integration into the Trans-Caspian Corridor through projects like the Yeraskh-Julfa-Meghri-Horadiz railway, creating logistics pathways linking the Caspian, Mediterranean and Black Seas. This would shorten transit times between Asia and Europe, reduce dependency on Russia, and attract foreign investment. Reactivating inactive transport routes and opening borders will diversify trade routes, boosting regional commerce and supporting the development of North-South and East-West corridors aligned with international standards.
International Advocacy and Support
The “Crossroads of Peace” has garnered significant international attention:
- The U.S., EU, France and Greece have expressed strong support.
- Iran has welcomed the initiative, while countries such as Russia, Germany, the UK, and Canada have responded positively.
- Other supporters include Cyprus, Kazakhstan, Iraq, Qatar and the UAE.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are key partners in advancing the initiative. The ADB has invested over $1.8 billion in Armenia’s infrastructure and remains committed to supporting sustainable and climate-resilient projects like the North-South Road Corridor and the Gyumri Dry Port.
Climate Resilience and Future Prospects
Addressing the impacts of climate change is integral to the initiative. Tools like the International Transport Infrastructure Observatory analyze risks such as drought and flooding along transport routes. Collaboration with the UN and international financial institutions ensures climate-resilient infrastructure development, road safety, and regional cooperation.
The “Crossroads of Peace” initiative positions Armenia as a central player in diversifying Eurasian transit routes. By fostering regional cooperation, economic integration, and sustainable development, Armenia aims to transform the South Caucasus into a vibrant economic hub. With strategic investments, diplomatic backing and partnerships, this initiative has the potential to set a precedent for peaceful conflict resolution and long-term stability in the region.
More information:
1. Presentation: https://www.primeminister.am/en/statements-and-messages/item/2023/10/26/Nikol-Pashinyan-Speech/
2. The brochure of the project: https://www.primeminister.am/u_files/file/documents/The%20Crossroad%20of%20Peace-Brochure.pdf
Author: Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska graduated in American culture studies from Warsaw University and journalism from École Supérieure de Journalisme de Lille and Warsaw University in cooperation with the College of Europe. She is an international journalist, TV correspondent, author, chief editor of the international journalism center, Central and Eastern Europe Centre, president of the European Institute on Communist Oppression and a sworn translator. She was born in Warsaw, Poland and also has Armenian ancestry and roots in Lviv, Ukraine. She has been living in Heerlen, the Netherlands, since 2005.
