Mirzoyan says Armenia ready to sign peace deal with Azerbaijan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, speaking at the Indian Council of World Affairs, addressed regional security and Armenia's foreign policy. He noted that Armenia’s constructive approach is not fully reciprocated by Azerbaijan.

“As we speak, 23 Armenians are undergoing staged trials in Azerbaijan, arbitrarily detained in violation of human rights and due legal process. Achieving a comprehensive settlement and lasting peace requires preparing societies for reconciliation. Unresolved humanitarian issues can only hinder this process,” Mirzoyan stated.

He stressed that Armenia is ready to sign a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, which would promote long-term stability and cooperation. He mentioned that the border delimitation process has begun, with 12 kilometers already demarcated, yet Armenia’s constructive stance often lacks a reciprocal response.

“In the context of normalizing relations, we have presented Azerbaijan with concrete, mutually beneficial proposals regarding the unblocking of regional transport infrastructure. Implementing these would allow both countries to use each other’s railway networks for trade,” he said.

Additionally, to ensure regional stability and predictability, Armenia has proposed a mechanism for mutual arms control and verification.

“Unfortunately, we cannot state that our constructive approach is fully reciprocated by Azerbaijan. Moreover, we continue to hear high-level public statements and narratives suggesting territorial claims against sovereign Armenia, including through the so-called ‘Western Azerbaijan’ rhetoric,” Mirzoyan added.

Regarding relations with Turkey, he reiterated Armenia’s support for establishing diplomatic ties and opening borders. He highlighted the joint decision to restore the Ani Bridge as an important step toward building trust between the two countries.

Armenia’s foreign policy also includes developing ties with the U.S., the EU, Russia, Central Asia, and China. Mirzoyan noted that Armenia has adopted a balanced foreign policy approach, similar to India’s "strategic autonomy" model.

Concluding his speech, Mirzoyan reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to peace, cooperation, and strengthening bilateral relations, emphasizing the significant potential of the Armenia-India partnership across all sectors.

Azerbaijan has officially confirmed holding 23 Armenian captives, including former Nagorno-Karabakh presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, ex-state minister Ruben Vardanyan, former army commander Levon Mnatsakanyan, deputy commander Davit Manukyan, and ex-foreign minister Davit Babayan. Azerbaijan has un