1 / 3

The opening ceremony of the 64^th Plenary Session of the General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation was held in Yerevan, during which the RA NA President Alen Simonyan gave an opening speech.

“I am glad to welcome the participants of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation in Yerevan.

Addressing the challenges in our region requires a comprehensive approach. In that aspect the economic cooperation is an important tool for maintaining international peace and security.

Armenia is a landlocked country, and it has systemic vulnerabilities in accessing global markets. Therefore, we realize the critical 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, and the realization of human economic and social rights, including the right to development, are vital prerequisites for the full realization of the economic potential of the Black Sea region and its integration into global markets.

The Black Sea region is of great importance in the context of the development of trade and transport communications in the East-West and North-South directions. To disclose and realize the transport potential of the region, we must focus our efforts on the effective implementation of BSEC mechanisms. The implementation of the ‘Black Sea Ring Highway’ and ‘Searoutes’ initiatives can greatly increase the resilience and quality of transport infrastructure in our region. It is also important to develop joint mechanisms for facilitating trade and simplifying customs procedures.

Due to its geographical location, the South Caucasus can promote economic cooperation and trade between Europe and Asia. The unblocking of all trade and transport communications in the South Caucasus, based on full respect for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and reciprocity of states, will open up new opportunities not only for the economic development of the region, but also for people-to-people contacts and cultural ties. It will significantly contribute to security and stability in the region and beyond.

Being led by this vision the Government of Armenia presented the Crossroads of Peace initiative. As part of our peace agenda, this project aims to develop regional communications based on international law, state sovereignty, and jurisdiction. The Crossroads of Peace project can effectively connect the Persian Gulf, the Black and Caspian Seas, contributing to the expansion of economic cooperation and trade.

Armenia has been constructively engaged in negotiations with Azerbaijan on unblocking transport infrastructure. No less important is the re-operation of communication channels with Turkey. The successful outcome of this process could restore the importance of the region in international cargo transportation, promoting the well-being of our countries and peoples and peace in the region.

The Crossroads of Peace is aimed at transforming the paradigm of relations in our region from confrontation to cooperation.

We hope that the parliaments of the BSEC member states will support this initiative, which is fully consonant with the principles and norms of international law. I am sure that with joint efforts we can significantly contribute to a better and more prosperous future for all countries in our region.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let me declare the 64^th Plenary Session of the General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation open.”