Vice Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly and Armenia’s representative in the Armenia-Turkey normalization process Ruben Rubinyan addressed how Turkey and the European Union could play a positive role in the South Caucasus.

As reported by Armenpress, Rubinyan spoke on the issue during a panel discussion held within the framework of the Yerevan Dialogue.

“How can Turkey and the European Union play a positive role in the South Caucasus? First and foremost, by ensuring connectivity with the South Caucasus.

“There are, of course, existing railways, roads and infrastructure linking Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan. However, one vital link is missing: Armenia has no route or railway connection to the European Union, as it has not had access to an uninterrupted railway link between Armenia and Turkey – and consequently with the European Union. If this happens, it would create significant opportunities for Armenia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as for the European Union,” Rubinyan said.

The vice speaker also touched upon the lifting of restrictions on supplies to Armenia via Azerbaijan, noting that deliveries from Kazakhstan and Russia through Azerbaijani territory would not have been possible without Georgia’s involvement, as the goods passed through Azerbaijan and then Georgia.

“I would like to thank our Georgian partners for that,” Rubinyan said.

He also expressed confidence that both the European Union and Turkey will play a very positive role in the South Caucasus in the near future.