Mirzoyan: cooperation talks beyond peace deal ongoing

PanARMENIAN.Net - During the second session of the Yerevan Dialogue international forum, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan participated in a panel discussion titled “Managing security challenges in the Middle East, South Caucasus, and Central Asia through inclusive cooperation,” alongside French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.

Commenting on the prospect of signing a peace treaty with Azerbaijan, Mirzoyan stated that no peace agreement can address every aspect of life or bilateral relations. Hence, future cooperation and transit routes—crossing both Armenia and Azerbaijan—are also on the agenda.

“We have already made tangible progress toward establishing peace. This includes bilateral agreement on the draft text of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty. I sincerely hope everyone recognizes this as a significant achievement. We are ready to sign and then ratify the agreement, opening a new era of peace and cooperation in the South Caucasus. Referring to the panel’s theme, I hope this model can also be applied to other regions.

Every conflict has its specifics and nuances, but this general approach to peace and cooperation could be extended to Ukraine, the Middle East, and other areas needing external support or intervention. Cooperation and peace must be based on clear, mutual recognition of territorial integrity. If borders are violated, the entire concept collapses.

That is why we are considering not only the peace treaty—which is a fairly straightforward document—but also future cooperation and transit routes across both Armenia and Azerbaijan. Engagement and collaboration are crucial,” said Mirzoyan.

On March 13, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry announced it had accepted Azerbaijan’s proposals regarding two previously unresolved articles. The treaty is now ready for signing, and Armenia is open to discussions about the time and venue. However, Baku has introduced new preconditions and stated it is too early to set a meeting date.