Crossroads of Peace
International freight train corridor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Crossroads of Peace[a] is a transportation project, proposed by the Armenian government in October 2023, which seeks to improve Armenia's links to neighboring Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran and Turkey,[1][2][3] and to restore cooperation in the region and promote mutual understanding among nations.[4] Currently, due to the ongoing Turkish-Azeri blockade against Armenia, direct transit through the region is hampered.
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Georgia
Iran
Turkey| Crossroads of Peace | |
|---|---|
| |
| Overview | |
| Status | Proposed |
| Locale | Armenia Azerbaijan Georgia Iran Turkey |
The project has been positioned as complementary to the International North–South Transport Corridor.[5]
Main principles
| Principles of the Crossroads of Peace[6][1] | |
|---|---|
| Principle #1 | All infrastructures, including roads, railways, airways, pipelines, cables, and electricity lines, operate under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the countries through which they pass. |
| Principle #2 | Each country, through its state institutions, in its territory ensures border, customs control and security of all the infrastructures, including the passage through its territory of vehicles, cargo, and people. |
| Principle #3 | These infrastructures can be used for both international and domestic transportation. |
| Principle #4 | All countries use all the infrastructures on the basis of reciprocity and equality. |
Projects
Rail
Yeraskh-Julfa-Meghri-Horadiz railway
Armenia plans to restore the Soviet-era Yeraskh-Julfa-Meghri-Horadiz rail route, which would not only connect Armenia and Azerbaijan, but would also restore Armenia's railway connection with Iran and Russia.[7] With this project, Armenia could offer new logistic pathways linking the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean and Black seas through Armenian territory.[8]
Trade
Gyumri dry port
Armenian plans to establish a dry port and free-trade zone in Gyumri, featuring multi-modal air, rail and trucking facilities connected to warehouses and industrial parks.[9] Plans include a direct connection to rail transport and to the Gyumri Shirak International Airport.[10]
