L’adesione dell’Armenia all’Accordo Ashgabat rafforzerà la rotta nord -sud del progetto “Crossroads of Peace” – Esperto iraniano

This explains why suddenly we have Iranian minister of defense running over to us. And likely why Lavrov also came over for a visit.

Armenia joined the Ashgabat agreement on May 12. https://www.civilnet.am/en/news/949689/armenia-joins-ashgabat-agreement-on-international-transport-corridor/

And it will be official after it is submitted to the constitutional court for ratification.

What is the Ashgabat agreement?

Synopsis on google:

>The Ashgabat Agreement is a multinational agreement that establishes a transport and transit corridor to facilitate trade between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf. It was initially signed by Iran, Oman, Qatar, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in 2011, and has since expanded to include Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and India.

The expert here explains:

>The corridor uses rail and road routes to connect to Turkey and the Persian Gulf, and through its southern ports such as Bandar Abbas and Chabahar, it provides the opportunity to connect the corridor to sea routes and the Arab countries bordering the Persian Gulf. Armenia’s joining the Ashgabat Pact is a precise and strategic decision to reduce the pressure of the Ankara-Baku axis. In this way, Armenia can, with the cooperation of its true friend Iran, be freed from geopolitical siege and have safe, fast and cheap access to the markets of Arab countries and Central Asia, and even Russia. Using this route allows the transportation of goods in Asia via a shorter route than long sea routes.

> In this way, it is possible to counter Baku’s anti-Armenian narrative in Arab countries and portray a peaceful and rational image of Armenia, as well as create more economic and trade opportunities for Armenia so that the country’s economic growth and progress can be accelerated through joint cooperation between Iran, Armenia, and Arab countries

> Armenia should not be unaware of the capacity of the Arvand Free Zone in neighboring Iraq and Kuwait. This area, located in Khuzestan Province, has great potential for Armenia’s commercial and economic activities, and in this way, Armenia can access the Arab countries neighboring Iran and even North Africa and create new economic and trade opportunities for itself