In 2023, Armenia launched an ambitious initiative called the “Crossroads of Peace”, which aims to transform the country’s geographic position into a regional transport and economic hub. This initiative is not merely an infrastructure project - it is a strategic move by Armenia toward peace, cooperation, and economic integration in the region.
The “Crossroads of Peace” initiative envisions the opening of transport routes through Armenian territory to connect Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran, Georgia, and other neighboring countries; the restoration and modernization of Armenia’s railways and road networks; the promotion of economic cooperation in a politically tense region; and the creation of new logistical, trade, and investment opportunities for Armenia.
Armenia has publicly emphasized two key principles:
First, all types of infrastructure — including roads, railways, air routes, pipelines, and power lines — must operate under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the countries through which they pass.
Second, the Armenian state will carry out border and customs control through its own institutions and will ensure the security of the infrastructure.
In line with these principles, Armenia proposes the unblocking of all regional transport communications. In return, Armenia pledges full guarantees for the security of transportation routes connecting Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan via Armenian territory.
Yerevan strongly opposes any form of external control - including from Russia - over transit infrastructure that crosses Armenian land.
A key component of the “Crossroads of Peace” project is the development of a 461 km North-South Road Corridor, stretching from the Iranian border through Armenia’s southern corridor to the Georgian ports of Poti and Batumi. This route would grant Armenia a new status as a transit country.
However, several factors are hindering the realization of this initiative:
A lack of trust between Armenia and Azerbaijan;
Unresolved issues related to transport and security;
The need to align the interests of neighboring countries.
Despite Armenia’s proposed roadmap within the “Crossroads of Peace” framework, the Azerbaijani side maintains that the opening of transport communications in the region remains a distant prospect.
