The Republic of Armenia, represented by its first Deputy Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, recently announced its commitment to ensuring peace and security in the Southern Caucasus region. In an interview with the Greek newspaper “Kathimerini,” Pashinyan discussed the “Peace Bridge of Games” project, which aims to enhance connectivity and communication between various bodies of water and territories.

The project entails the establishment of automotive transfers, ferries, bridges, telecommunication networks, and internet connections between the Black Sea, the territory of Armenia, and the Caspian and Oman Seas. Additionally, the project includes the creation of a railway system connecting these regions, which is made possible by the improved Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, as reported by the newspaper.

It should be noted that an existing railway connection from Iran, passing through the Azerbaijani region of Nakhchivan, has been operational for several years. This existing route has proven its efficacy, further supporting the viability of the “Peace Bridge of Games” project.

Furthermore, the project envisions an east-west connection that would link the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, passing through Armenia and the Turkish straits of the Black Sea and the Bosphorus. To realize this connection, the construction of railway and automotive routes, ferries, telecommunication networks, and pipelines from Turkey to Armenia is necessary. Pashinyan emphasizes Armenia’s readiness to collaborate and facilitate the establishment of such connections.

In conclusion, the successful implementation of these planned routes requires the construction of necessary infrastructure. The “Peace Bridge of Games” project operates under several guiding principles, as outlined by Pashinyan:

• All constructions must be safeguarded against internal aggression and violations of sovereignty in the countries where they pass.
• Each country retains the right to impose necessary restrictions and customs controls within its territory.
• These constructions should facilitate both international and internal transfers.
• All countries can utilize the infrastructure for trade and exchange purposes.

Pashinyan highlights that all countries will benefit from these infrastructure developments, enjoying equal opportunities and visa-free exchanges.

Armenia, through the “Peace Bridge of Games” project, remains committed to enhancing regional connectivity, peace, and security, with the hope of fostering greater economic and social collaboration among participating nations.