Pashinyan highlights TRIPP and removal of trade barriers at EAEU meeting

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan delivered a speech via videoconference at the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council session held in Minsk, Belarus. 

The meeting was attended by the prime ministers of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, while Pashinyan participated remotely.

Below is a transcript of the Armenian PM’s speech published by his office:

"Dear heads of government, dear participants of the meeting, I am pleased to welcome you to the regular meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council. Taking this opportunity, I would also like to welcome the distinguished heads of delegations of the observer states at the EAEU. I am confident that today’s meeting will provide another opportunity for an open and constructive exchange of views on current issues. We have repeatedly reaffirmed the commitment of the Republic of Armenia to the continuity of mutually beneficial cooperation within the EAEU, aimed at strengthening economic stability and ensuring the sustainable development of the wider region. Dear colleagues, Armenia is consistently advancing the agenda of peace and trade and transport connectivity in the region. As has been repeatedly noted, the Armenian “Crossroads of Peace” initiative is aimed at creating new opportunities through the development of transport, energy and digital connectivity. One of the key components of the “Crossroads of Peace” is TRIPP — the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity.” The TRIPP project will establish direct railway communication between Armenia and Azerbaijan. At the same time, the project will make it possible to integrate Armenia into the international railway network and create an opportunity to establish railway communication between the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea. This will become a significant development in the field of transport connections, bringing changes for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Iran. During the meeting in a narrow format, I informed my colleagues about certain aspects related to the unblocking of regional transport infrastructure, which is taking place as a result of the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We expect certain solutions that, in particular, will lead to increased efficiency of the railways of the Republic of Armenia. Dear colleagues, undoubtedly, ensuring the free movement of goods, services, capital and labor is the basis for the full functioning of the EAEU single market. At the same time, an important component of the development and deepening of economic cooperation is ensuring food security, the stability of domestic markets, and the predictability of mutual supplies of agricultural products and food. Joint forecasts for the development of the agro-industrial complex and balances of supply and demand make it possible to more accurately assess the needs of our states, plan production and supplies, as well as identify new opportunities for mutual trade and realizing export potential in the EAEU market. Dear colleagues, undoubtedly, ensuring the free movement of goods, services, capital and labor is the basis for the full functioning of the EAEU single market. At the same time, the practical implementation of these principles continues to require our special attention. Unfortunately, since my previous participation in the meeting of the Intergovernmental Council in Cholpon-Ata, it has not been possible to record significant progress on a number of existing issues. In particular, restrictions and administrative barriers remain in place, which continue to significantly hamper the full and effective functioning of the single market. In this regard, we consider it important to continue constructive dialogue aimed at eliminating the existing obstacles to the export and transit of Armenian products in accordance with EAEU law. I am confident that consistent progress in this direction is in the interests of all EAEU member states, ensuring the stability of trade flows, predictability of conditions for market participants, as well as further strengthening of integration cooperation. Thank you for your attention."