FM: Mutual benefit is key to success and peace

Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan has acknowledged that some statements by Azerbaijani officials do not contribute to peace, saying that Azerbaijan’s approach to peace is not always consistent, with a caring attitude evident at times and the opposite at others.

He emphasized that mutual benefit is key to achieving and maintaining peace, noting that Armenia, Azerbaijan and many third countries all have interests in it.

Mirzoyan made the remarks at a meeting of the Armenian Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Relations, responding to an MP’s concerns about official Azerbaijani rhetoric.

“Yes, sometimes, including from officials, we hear statements that, to put it mildly, do not contribute to peace. Who can deny that? The process of peace, even if we set aside our particular situation and our feelings, requires constant care,” the minister said.

Mirzoyan said he was not presenting the situation as entirely positive and acknowledged the existing problems.

He said Armenia should continue its efforts to normalize relations.

According to the minister, it is impossible to resolve all issues simultaneously in the aftermath of a conflict. In addition to legal and treaty-related issues, reconciliation between societies is also necessary, and that takes time.

Speaking about the economic foundations of peace, Mirzoyan emphasized that mutual interests should help ensure its preservation.

“On the contrary, I am saying that mutual benefit is the key to everything—to success and to peace. I am saying that we have interests, and Azerbaijan has interests. Moreover, many third countries also have interests,” he stressed.

The parliamentary committee hearing was convened to debate a bill on ratifying the Armenia-US framework agreement on TRIPP.