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EU says Armenia-Türkiye -Azerbaijan border opening would boost Europe-Central Asia ties

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

04 April 2025 11:06 (UTC +04:00)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke about the geopolitical and economic importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor at the European Union-Central Asia Summit, APA reports.

Ursula von der Leyen stated this corridor will play a key role in strengthening ties between Europe and the five Central Asian countries.

"In an increasingly fragmented world, the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor will strengthen connections between your countries (the five Central Asian states - ed.) and Europe. But infrastructure isn't everything," von der Leyen noted.

She also emphasized the importance of facilitating border crossings between regional countries for the corridor's effectiveness: "Border crossings with both Central Asia and South Caucasus countries are crucial to reach the Black Sea."

The European Commission President also addressed the issue of opening the Armenia-Türkiye border. According to her, opening Armenia's borders with Türkiye and Azerbaijan after 30 years could fundamentally change the situation: "This will change the game. This will bring Europe and Central Asia closer than ever before."

European Commission Ursula von der Leyen Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor EU-Central Asia Summit geopolitical importance economic importance Central Asia South Caucasus Armenia-Türkiye border border crossings infrastructure Black Sea Armenia-Azerbaijan relations regional ties Europe Central Asia cooperation