I believe that business relations will be established between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the near future, and I consider this one of the important tools for the institutionalization of peace between the two countries.
According to “Armenpress”, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated this while presenting the election program of the ruling “Civil Contract” party.
“I am glad to note that some programs are already being implemented. Bilateral trade between Armenia and Azerbaijan is forming with small steps, and contacts between representatives of civil society have moved to a concrete stage. I hope and am confident that business relations will also be established in the near future. This is one of the most important tools for the institutionalization of peace,” Pashinyan said.
The Prime Minister noted that the process of institutionalizing peace has already begun and has a legal basis: “This process started in 2024 with the delimitation and demarcation of borders, and continued with the signing and ratification of the regulation on the joint activities of the commissions. This document has become an integral part of the legal system of both countries.”
Pashinyan emphasized that the main principle of the demarcation process is based on the Alma-Ata Declaration: “This means that the territory of independent Armenia is the same as the territory of Soviet Armenia, and the territory of independent Azerbaijan is the same as the territory of Soviet Azerbaijan.”
The Prime Minister also announced the main steps for strengthening peace:
“The main steps are the continuation of the demarcation process, the implementation of the TRIPP project in accordance with the Washington Declaration of August 8, 2025, the full opening of regional transport lines, as well as the final signing and ratification of the agreement on peace and interstate relations.”
Pashinyan added that peace is not limited to political documents: “Contacts between civil society and business representatives, bilateral trade, political, cultural, and humanitarian dialogue are also important tools for the institutionalization of peace.”
The Prime Minister also stated that Armenia’s balanced foreign policy has contributed to the formation of stability in the region.
He particularly emphasized the importance of direct dialogue: “If we have issues to discuss with Turkey and Azerbaijan, why not do it directly? Communication through third parties is not always conveyed correctly. Direct dialogue prevents the distortion of messages, and thanks to this approach, we have achieved peace today.”