Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan responded to the statement of the Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure that the so-called “Zangezur Corridor” will strengthen the economic cooperation between Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

Khudatyan touched upon the topic, answering a question from “Armenpress”.

Question: Mr. Khudatyan, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kars-Diliju railway line, the Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure spoke about the fact that the so-called “Zangezur Corridor” will strengthen the economic cooperation between Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. How would you comment on this statement?

Answer: Only infrastructure projects that are proposed, adopted, or approved by the Government of the Republic of Armenia can operate and be implemented in the territory of the Republic of Armenia. Such projects include the “North-South”, “Crossroads of Peace”, and TRIPP projects. Infrastructure projects with any name that do not meet the specified criteria will not operate in the territory of the Republic of Armenia. Regarding economic cooperation between Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, the Republic of Armenia is both ready and interested. The transport component of collaboration is expressed in the “Crossroads of Peace” project itself, from which TRIPP, the “Trump Path for International Peace and Prosperity” program, is also a project. We are actively preparing for the launch of this program and the opening of transport communications with Azerbaijan, in accordance with the Declaration adopted in Washington on August 8, signed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, the President of Azerbaijan, and the President of the United States. I also consider it necessary to note that we have publicly expressed our readiness to reopen the Gyumri-Kars railway connection between Armenia and Turkey, which will further strengthen regional connectivity.