Kazakhstan Endorses Armenia's 'Crossroads of Peace' in Strategic Pivot

13 hours ago7 min read1 comments

In a strategic move with significant implications for regional connectivity, Kazakhstan has publicly backed Armenia's 'Crossroads of Peace' transport initiative. The endorsement came during Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's official visit to Astana, signaling a potential shift in the geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus and Central Asia.The ambitious project aims to develop a comprehensive network of railways, highways, and energy pipelines, seeking to unlock economic potential long hindered by political blockades and closed borders, particularly in the wake of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. This development highlights Kazakhstan's evolving multi-vector foreign policy, which seeks to diversify trade and transport options while maintaining its key alliances within the CSTO and EAEU.The war in Ukraine and subsequent sanctions on Russia have intensified the search for resilient supply routes, making such initiatives increasingly attractive. For Armenia, Kazakhstan's support provides vital external legitimacy for its goal of transforming from a landlocked state into a central transit hub, linking the Black Sea with the Persian Gulf and the Caspian with the Mediterranean.However, the initiative's success is contingent upon the fragile normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which continues to face challenges. The reaction from major regional powers, including Russia and Turkey, will also be crucial, as new corridors could alter long-standing spheres of influence. Ultimately, while the declaration marks a key diplomatic achievement, realizing the 'Crossroads of Peace' will require substantial investment, complex international agreements, and sustained political commitment to overcome decades of regional distrust.

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#Kazakhstan

#Armenia

#peace initiative

#transport corridor

#regional cooperation

#Nikol Pashinyan

#Astana