Peace with Azerbaijan has been established, the future path is a process that requires patience. Ararat Mirzoyan

On October 20, RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan participated in the ministerial meeting organized by the European Union on the topic of "Interregional Security and Interdependence".

Minister Mirzoyan made a speech at the discussion on security, stability and resilience in the Black Sea region held within the framework of the ministerial meeting.

"The Black Sea region has always been a crossroads of civilizations, trade and geopolitical interests. It is an important link between Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia, where enhanced interaction can contribute to interconnectedness and sustainable development, as well as the formation of mutually beneficial partnerships, significantly transforming the geopolitical and economic landscape of the region. These are not just words or an ambitious vision, but today's imperative.

In this context, of course, we realize that the realization of this vision is possible only in conditions of peace and stability. At a time when the Black Sea region is facing serious challenges, especially as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has also led to severe human suffering, the South Caucasus has recently made a transition to lasting peace. On August 8, 2025, a historic event took place in Washington. The leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and the United States signed the already widely known joint Declaration, and the agreement "On establishing peace and interstate relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan" was initialed by myself and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan.

Thus, peace has been established and the three leaders have expressed their firm commitment to strengthen it. This lays a solid foundation for ending hostilities and ushering in a new era of neighborly relations based on mutual respect, sovereignty, territorial integrity and border inviolability, in accordance with the UN Charter and the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration.

The way forward is a process that requires patience, care, addressing practical issues and strengthening mutual trust. Armenia is conscientiously involved in turning the conflict into constructive engagement and cooperation.

History teaches us important lessons. The European Union was born from the ashes of war, built on the vision that common economic interests, first in coal and steel, could make future conflict irrational.

Being at the crossroads, Armenia can play a crucial role in the chain connecting Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia. The de-blocking of transport communications between Armenia and Azerbaijan, agreed on August 8, will facilitate the development of mutually beneficial transport links, including Armenia's "Crossroads for Peace" program and its integral part, the TRIPP track ("Trump Road for International Peace and Prosperity") in Armenia, all of which will operate under the full sovereignty, territorial integrity and jurisdiction of the states.

By strengthening this chain, we can strengthen mutual trust, interdependence and sustainable growth. As the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated at the EU-Central Asia Summit. "The opening of Armenia's borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey will be a game-changing event."

This is also the reason why we welcome the establishment of the EU Coordinating Platform on the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, and Armenia is ready to be an active and constructive partner in ensuring its success, including through the inclusion of our Crossroads for Peace program and the TRIPP track within the EU Global Gateways initiative.

This new era of security and stability in the South Caucasus is further strengthened by Armenia's commitment to further strengthening the country's resilience, and our partnership with the European Union is central to this effort. We have added a significant security component to the Armenia-EU bilateral agenda, expanding our relations from the framework of political and economic cooperation to the dimension of strategic partnership.

High-level political and security dialogue, periodic security and defense consultations, the EU observation mission in Armenia, the agreement defining the scope of Armenia's participation in EU common security and defense policy missions, as well as support through the European Peace Fund, the Resilience and Growth program, the Strategic Partnership Agenda. all together contribute to the continuous strengthening of Armenia's resilience.

At the same time, like many democracies, Armenia today faces increasing hybrid threats, especially foreign information manipulation and interference.

These are not isolated actions, they are targeted, coordinated, hostile campaigns aimed at achieving specific goals, including undermining confidence in sovereignty and democratic institutions, and undermining aspirations for cooperation and like-minded partnerships.

The fight against it requires strong, trust-based cooperation between states that share a commitment to the fundamental principles and norms of international law, as well as a democratic way of life.

Dear partners, in these efforts you can count on cooperation with Armenia as a reliable partner. Thank you."

Within the framework of the ministerial meeting on "Interregional Security and Interconnection", Minister Mirzoyan also had contacts with the Foreign Ministers of Luxembourg, Slovenia, Latvia, Turkey, Denmark, the EU Enlargement Commissioner and other partners.