Speaking at the Silk Road 2025 Forum in Tbilisi, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called on Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia to jointly harness the current global interest in the South Caucasus and transform the region into one of the leading transit corridors between East and West, as well as between North and South.

Pashinyan rejected the notion that infrastructure projects in the region compete with one another. He emphasized that transportation routes “complement rather than exclude each other”, thereby enhancing the region’s overall potential as a major transit corridor. Among the key priorities, he highlighted the implementation of the third clause of the Washington Declaration, which envisions establishing a railway connection between the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea, thereby strengthening the transit potential of not only Armenia but also Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan noted that a sustainable peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a fundamental prerequisite for implementing these infrastructure projects. He stated that work is underway to institutionalize peace, including preparations for the signing and ratification of the Treaty on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations, which was initialed in Washington.

The Prime Minister expressed concern that the existing transport networks may not withstand the expected increase in cargo flows. However, he said this challenge should serve as an incentive for large-scale development and modernization of roads, ports, and railways.

Pashinyan emphasized that the attention of the international community is “capital” that the countries of the region must use wisely to ensure peace, development, and prosperity.

If the countries truly begin to act in a coordinated manner, a synergy effect could be achieved: instead of fragmented routes, an integrated transport network would emerge, where each corridor strengthens the others. The status of a regional transit hub could attract investment in logistics, cargo processing, storage facilities, and service infrastructure – contributing to economic growth in border regions. The South Caucasus could become a key link between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, especially amid global shifts in supply chains.

Nevertheless, despite a “peace on paper”, many unresolved disputes remain – particularly regarding security and border control. The countries are at different stages of infrastructure development, from road quality to port and rail connectivity. Without coordination, “bottlenecks” may emerge, slowing transit. Moreover, major powers – both regional and global – are interested in controlling transit corridors, which may lead to pressure, competition, and attempts to draw countries into rival alliances. Projects of this magnitude also require significant and sustainable investment, both from national governments and international institutions.

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23.10.2025 08:14