EU discussing ways to support regional connectivity with Armenia and Azerbaijan, Grono says
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The European Union is discussing with the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan how it can best support the development of regional transport and connectivity routes in the South Caucasus, Magdalena Grono, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, said in Yerevan.
Speaking to reporters, Grono said the progress achieved toward building sustainable peace in the region had been "incredibly impressive."
"As the European Union, we seek to be a strong partner for the Republic of Armenia, but also for Azerbaijan, so that this peace becomes a lasting reality that benefits all people," she said.
Grono noted that the EU supports the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process through political engagement as well as practical initiatives.
She said the bloc is also looking at ways to support areas where discussions are still ongoing and which could benefit communities on both sides, including humanitarian demining.
According to Grono, demining has a direct impact on communities affected by conflict and could also facilitate broader regional connectivity and the development of new transport links.
Referring to the EU-funded remote-controlled demining machine delivered to Armenia on July 8, she said the equipment forms part of the EU's broader support for peacebuilding efforts.
Grono also reaffirmed that regional connectivity and the wider unblocking of transport links in the South Caucasus remain high on the EU's agenda.
"We are discussing with the Armenian authorities, but also with our Azerbaijani partners, how we can best support the development of these routes so that all countries are involved and all communities along them benefit. We also want to make a meaningful contribution to what is a priority for the European Union - the Middle Corridor, which connects Asia with Europe through the South Caucasus," she said.