Prague hopes for the swift signing of a peace agreement between Yerevan and Baku – Czech Ambassador to Armenia

The Czech Republic appreciates the constructive approach of the Armenian leadership toward establishing peace with Azerbaijan. It is evident that both the Armenian people and the Armenian government are committed to achieving peace in the region. Prague hopes that a peace agreement between Yerevan and Baku will be signed soon, contributing to Armenia's prosperity. In an interview with Armenpress, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Armenia, Petr Pirunčík said.

He also discussed the dialogue between Armenia and the Czech Republic in political, economic, defense, and other spheres, as well as prospects for developing the Armenia-European Union partnership.

Referring to the potential unblocking of communication routes in the South Caucasus and Armenia's efforts in this direction, Ambassador Pirunčík emphasized that Prague is closely following the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative and considers it an interesting proposal. According to him, this initiative could contribute to regional stability.

The interview was conducted on March 13, 2025.

- Mr. Ambassador how would you assess current political level of relations between Republic of Armenia and Czech Republic? What important points would you highlight?

Relations between Czech and Armenia have never been stronger, driven by the deepening ties between the EU and Armenia. The Czech Republic actively collaborates with Armenian authorities to strengthen cooperation across all sectors, including official engagements, economic and trade relations, institutional partnerships between ministries and agencies, and people-to-people exchanges involving students, artists, and other cultural figures. We have also intensified efforts to promote Czech in Armenia, displaying Czech business, culture, and sports. It is also worth mentioning that we are issuing a record number of Schengen visas, further facilitating travel and exchanges between our nations.

-On October 15-18, 2024 at the invitation of the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic, the delegation of the RA Ministry of Defense, led by Deputy Minister of Defense Karen Brutyan, participated in the "Future Forces Forum 2024" international exhibition held in Prague. Official meetings were held within the framework of the event during which has been discussed military-technical cooperation and a number of agreements have been reached. Besides, there is an agreement on military-technical cooperation between Armenia and Czech Republic signed in April 2019. In this regard how would you assess the relations between the two countries in the field of defence and what effect can these visits give to the military ties of two countries?

- The ratification of the agreement on military technical cooperation was an important milestone in Armenia-Czech defense relations. Since then, bilateral engagement in this field has intensified. Over the past year, there have been mutual visits of representatives of the Ministry of Defense. The Deputy Minister of Defense of Czech came to Armenia accompanied by a delegation of defense industry companies. The Deputy Minister of Defense of Armenia paid a visit to Czech. As you mentioned, the Armenian delegation took part in the largest arms fair in the Czech Republic. While I cannot disclose specific details, I can confirm that both sides are actively exploring opportunities to further strengthen cooperation.

- Azerbaijan accuses Armenia for acquiring weapons from different partners. The Prime Minister Pashinyan has many times reiterated that Yerevan is not engaged in an arms race with any country, and the acquiring of armaments exclusively for the defense of Armenia’s borders and territorial integrity. Therefore, Baku blames Yerevan for this at the same time also acquiring weapons in larger quantities than Armenia and doubling its military budget. In your opinion why can Azerbaijan spend millions of dollars to purchase weapons, but Armenia cannot buy weapons to defend its own country?

- We have been closely following the public rhetoric regarding the acquisition of armament both in Armenia and Azerbaijan. We have been looking at the numbers and figures recording military expenses and investments, comparing them. It is evident that both countries have been increasing investments in their military and defense. This is somehow understandable in the current geopolitical situation, and, naturally, both countries have their sovereign right to invest in their defense capacities. At the same time, we are carefully watching where the investments are going. I am not in position to comment on the words of the president of Azerbaijan. We, of course, analyze and understand the context of such rhetoric and consider it mostly a part of the domestic political debate in Azerbaijan. 

- The economic relations and cooperation between Republic of Armenia and Czech Republic: How would you evaluate the economic ties between two sides, that was the volume of trade between the two countries last year - in 2024?  What trends are seen in the bilateral export and import markets?

- Bilateral trade between the Czech Republic and Armenia has a growing trend since 2021. According to the Czech Statistical Office, trade volume reached approximately 87.2 million EUR in 2024. Armenia's main exports to the Czech Republic include aluminum foil, ferro-alloys, and textiles, while the top three Czech exports to Armenia are smartphones and similar devices, tractors, and automatic data processing units. A sharp and unusual surge in trade was observed after 2022, followed by a phase of normalization, bringing trade dynamics back to sustainable growth levels. We see significant potential in further developing bilateral trade by introducing well-established and reputable Czech companies and proven technologies to Armenia. Additionally, Armenia's developing industrial sector can open new trade opportunities, as it currently operates below its full capacities, while having a strong potential.

 - Mr. Ambassador, in your opinion what are the areas that are of the greatest interest in terms of developing and deepening relations between the two countries?

- We support the continuation of reforms in Armenia. It is an important process that is complicated but structural and has a great impact. We hope the Armenian people see that these efforts are ultimately in their best interest. I have been here for 2 years as an ambassador but before that I had been in Armenia several times. I see the progress that the country has made during those years and it is remarkable and admirable.

Another key area of focus both for the Czech Republic and the European Union as a whole is strengthening economic ties. Growing trade between our countries is very important, especially for Armenia’s long-term development. There remains substantial unused potential in the economy, and attracting foreign investment is essential. Armenia’s industrial sector has been gradually recovering from the collapse of the 1990s, yet significant challenges remain. At the same time, we see an increasing number of competitive Armenian products making their way into European markets, which is an encouraging sign.

Another very important and priority topic that concerns all people of Armenia is visa liberalization. A dialogue on visa-free travel has already begun, with experts engaged in negotiations on the necessary conditions and next steps. I find this as one of the priority topics in our bilateral relationship.

Another concrete priority is strengthening connectivity between our two countries. We have been trying to restart direct flights between Yerevan and Prague and we have been in contact with both airports and several airlines. Negotiations are ongoing, and I see a light in the tunnel. Reestablishing this connection would significantly enhance people-to-people ties between Czechs and Armenians.

- Regional situation: It has been a long time since Armenia and Azerbaijan have been negotiating on signing a peace treaty. Months ago, an agreement on the demarcation of the state border between the two states was reached and a certain part of the border was demarcated. How would you assess these negotiations and, generally, what is Prague’s view on these ongoing negotiations between Yerevan and Baku?

- We have been long emphasized our support for a fair and lasting and sustainable peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We have also contributed to the dialogue between your country and Azerbaijan, both as the EU and as Czech. A key example of this was the Prague meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Aliyev. We have been also repeating that the peace agreement will be only a result of direct negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We have been closely following the developments and are informed about the exchanges of various peace agreement proposals. We appreciate that the negotiation process is ongoing and recognize the constructive approach of the Armenian leadership in seeking a resolution. It's clear that the Armenian people and the Armenian government are committed to achieving peace in the region. I hope that a peace agreement will be signed soon and that it will contribute to the blossoming of Armenia.

- Mr. Pirunčík, the Government of the Republic of Armenia has published the “Crossroad of Peace” project in order to unblock regional communications. What is Czech’s opinion on this initiative?

- We are closely monitoring the Crossroad of Peace initiative and consider it an interesting proposal. At this moment, we see achieving peace in the South Caucasus region as the most important priority, and this initiative may contribute to it. Such an outcome would enable comprehensive development of the region, including the construction of transportation and energy networks, which is, I assume, in everyone’s interest.

- In January, the EU Council adopted a decision to extend the mandate of the European Union Mission in Armenia for another two years, until February 19, 2027. How do you assess this decision and how important do you find this extension to be for Armenia and the region of the South Caucasus?

- Our Armenian partners have repeatedly stated that the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) is welcomed and it is an important contribution to the security of Armenia. We are proud that the Czech Republic can be a significant part of the EUMA. Currently seven Czechs are proudly serving in the mission. We were happy to learn that the mandate has been extended. Once again, I want to reiterate that we, Czechs, would like to see a peaceful and prosperous South Caucasus. 

- Mr. Ambassador Azerbaijan has consistently expressed complaints about the activities of the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia, stating that the mission does not contribute to the settlement process between Yerevan and Baku and accusing the mission of conducting intelligence work on the border areas. How would you comment on these claims made by Azerbaijan and what do you think is the purpose of Baku with such statements?

- I again beg your pardon but I'm not going to comment on statements by Azerbaijani's representatives. I will just remind you that the EUMA is a monitoring mission with the primary goal of contributing to a safer region as well as confidence building between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

- The Armenian parliament adopted the bill on EU accession at first reading. The bill was initiated by several civic organizations through a petition, which garnered enough votes to be considered as a bill. It calls on the Armenian authorities to launch the process of EU accession. In your opinion, what importance can this decision have for Armenia and in particular for the deepening of Armenia-EU relations, how likely do you think Armenia's membership in the organization is? 

- We welcome this initiative and we consider it mostly a signal of Armenia's interest in deepening its relationship with the European Union. The people of Armenia want to live a good life and they are interested in the EU. At the same time, there are standard procedures of how a country becomes a member of the EU. So far, the standard procedures haven't started. However, we recognize Armenia's commitment to European values and the path oriented on intensifying cooperation with the European Union. This interest and commitment is mutual - the Czech Republic public and the EU is interested in broadening the relations with Armenia, too. 

- Mr. Pirunčík, are there any planned high-level visits from Czech to Armenia in the near future?

- Yes, of course there are. Next week members of the Czech Parliament Committee on Foreign Relations are coming to Armenia. They are going to meet their counterparts and partners here and they will also visit several places in Armenia outside Yerevan. This is very important in my opinion because foreign visitors usually stay in Yerevan and do not go to the regions. 

In April we are expecting an official visit of the Czech Minister of Labor and Social Affairs to Armenia. A lot of things are on the agenda. The Minister will come to Armenia with a delegation of experts. In some topics like digitalization of social services Armenia can serve as a very inspiring example for Czech and also other European countries. You have progressed a lot in the field of digitalization and a part of the Minister's visit will be experience sharing.

Some high-level visits are planned from Armenia to the Czech Republic, too. For example, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia is coming to Prague for an official visit soon.

In April we also organize a business mission to Armenia. Czech companies dealing with beer technology are coming here. They will meet representatives of large as well as small breweries and explore the possible cooperation. Czech beer is as you know quite good and we are ready to share our technology.

These are just few examples of official contacts between our two countries. As I already said, I find it very important that my fellow Czech citizens come here and see what Armenia is and what it can be with their own eyes.