Merz says peace deal opens EU cooperation prospects

PanARMENIAN.Net - At a joint press conference in Berlin with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace agreement offers wide-ranging cooperation potential for the European Union. Responding to a question about Germany’s possible role in the Armenia–Azerbaijan border delimitation process, Merz said Berlin is closely following developments.

"We agree there’s a major opportunity for Armenia and Azerbaijan. It requires diplomatic and mutual efforts, taking into account each other’s interests. We can jointly advance the peace process. I believe this model can inspire other regions worldwide. A path toward Europe has opened, offering many avenues to deepen cooperation," said Merz.

He noted that initial steps in this direction have already been taken, with new initiatives expected to follow.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan added that Armenia had long maintained bilateral dialogue with Azerbaijan. However, Germany and the EU have also actively supported the peace process through concrete actions, he said.

Recent decisions and developments have helped Armenia advance its peace agenda more assertively, Pashinyan noted, highlighting the EU Civil Mission deployed along the Armenia–Azerbaijan border. This initiative has significantly contributed to deepening the peace process and has given Armenia greater confidence to pursue stability.

Pashinyan also introduced the large-scale Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, which includes plans to open transport links between Armenia and Turkey. He said the initiative has full potential to become a central segment of the Middle Corridor, creating seamless connectivity between Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia.

"Construction is scheduled to begin next year. This project fully aligns with our government’s Crossroads of Peace initiative and will enhance regional interconnectivity and interdependence, becoming a vital factor in achieving peace," Pashinyan explained.

He recalled that on August 8, in Washington D.C., with the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump, Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a joint declaration.

"We pledged to turn the page on hostility. We categorically reject any form of revenge, now or in the future. A pre-signed draft agreement on establishing interstate relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan was approved in Washington, with the presence of both leaders and President Trump. One of the key outcomes was an agreement to open communications for domestic, bilateral, and international transport, respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction," said Pashinyan.

The Prime Minister added that the initial implementation terms of the TRIPP project are currently being discussed with the United States. The plan includes establishing a joint Armenian–American company authorized to construct key infrastructure in Armenia, including railways, highways, pipelines, and fiber-optic networks.

Chancellor Merz welcomed Armenia’s intention to deepen ties with the European Union.

"We understand that many prerequisites and standards must be met for EU membership. Whether this occurs via an association agreement or not is for each country to decide. We aim to gradually intensify our relations with Armenia, as stated in our joint declaration. This is a path in the right direction and a historic opportunity for Armenia," Merz noted.

Prime Minister Pashinyan is on an official visit to Germany, where he met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz. On December 10, Pashinyan will travel to Hamburg for additional meetings.