Armenia and Azerbaijan Pursue Normalization after Tripartite Summit
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and European Union (EU) Council President Charles Michel recently concluded their trilateral summit in Brussels, Belgium. Michel expressed his satisfaction in hosting the fifth meeting of Aliyev and Pashinyan, and commended the sincerity, openness, and result-oriented approach between the leaders. The two countries have been focused on moving towards normalization and expressed their desire for a peaceful South Caucasus. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the 1991 Almaty Declaration and the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Recent talks about the peace treaty in the US have created momentum for both countries to move towards decisive steps in reaching a comprehensive peace agreement.
During the meeting, the leaders agreed to resume bilateral talks on border issues. Significant progress was made on unblocking transport and economic links between the countries and on reopening railway connections to Nakhchivan. The World Customs Organization has been asked to support the work. The exchange of ideas on the rights and security of Armenians living in Karabakh continued and discussions on missing people and demining were also on the agenda.
In July, the leaders will meet again in Brussels. The intention is to hold more meetings in the future as the EU seeks to help Armenia and Azerbaijan achieve a comprehensive and just peace. The EU is ready to contribute to their joint efforts for a better future. The third European Political Community Summit is also on the horizon, with a meeting in Granada in October. Hostile rhetoric should be avoided, and instead, good faith and leadership are necessary to reach mutually acceptable solutions.
