We can unite societies of all countries in the region and live peacefully in the 21st century, says Mirzoyan

The countries of our region face a choice: to wait another 100 years to ensure that changes  irreversible, or to lay bricks on top of each other for lasting peace in the South Caucasus, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said during a panel discussion at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Saturday.

“The Armenian public is concerned about security issues and closed borders. Regional economic cooperation is also a pressing concern. Our citizens hear assurances from the Armenian government regarding its peace agenda, the normalization of relations with neighbors, and the opening of a new chapter in the region. However, we acknowledge that the wounds are still fresh, and at this moment, it is somewhat difficult to speak about cooperation. At the same time, ordinary citizens of the Republic of Armenia hear threats from Azerbaijan and see that the Azerbaijani side is in no hurry to recognize Armenia’s internationally recognized territorial integrity. These threats are reflected in media closely working with the Azerbaijani parliament, government, and high-ranking officials,” Mirzoyan noted.

Mirzoyan emphasized that various avenues for cooperation exist, and Georgia can also play a leading role in the South Caucasus.

“We can unite the societies of all countries in the region and live peacefully in the 21st century. Armenia has already chosen the path of cooperation, but we cannot move forward unilaterally if the other side is not equally interested. Regarding the unblocking of communication routes, we have already made a favorable offer to Azerbaijan, which would allow them to benefit from our railway infrastructure—and we would also benefit in return.

We understand that the 45-kilometer section in southern Armenia is the shortest route connecting the two parts of Azerbaijan. Therefore, we have proposed the use of modern technologies at border checkpoints by installing electronic scanners, in case the Azerbaijani side prefers not to have cargo physically inspected. We have also suggested the option of electronic declarations and the exchange of information with the relevant authorities on both sides, so that transit-related issues can be resolved quickly and affordably. We have made concrete proposals, but we have not received a positive response,” Mirzoyan explained.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated that the establishment of good-neighborly relations and cooperation with neighboring countries is one of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy priorities. According to him, economic integration can contribute to the development of all countries.

“Azerbaijan pursues precisely such a policy toward its neighbors. We refer to the East-West corridor. The Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey partnership is a good example of the benefits this cooperation brings to our societies.

The implementation of economic projects has significantly transformed the region. Many countries are using Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian Basin. At the same time, we are actively operating the North-South corridor with the direct involvement of Russia and Iran. Armenia has been left out of these projects because it is difficult to envision cooperation with a neighbor when a conflict persists. Today, we have a valuable opportunity to put an end to this conflict, and we believe the process must reach a definitive conclusion. Only then will new opportunities for development and progress open up for the region,” Bayramov said.

According to him, Azerbaijan has also proposed the unblocking of communication routes, “which is enshrined in the November 9 statement and envisages unhindered communication between the two parts of Azerbaijan.”

“We have made proposals to the Armenian side to resolve the situation. We are open to separating automobile and railway traffic. We seek a stable situation that will not be subject to change due to shifts in power in Armenia or other factors,” Bayramov said.