German FM commends Azerbaijan, Armenia for bold steps towards reconciliation

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has said that Azerbaijan and Armenia took bold steps to leave the past behind and move forward.

Baerbock made the remarks at a trilateral meeting with her Azerbaijani and Armenian counterparts, Jeyhun Bayramov and Ararat Mirzoyan, APA reports.

She noted the existing opportunity to achieve sustainable peace.

“Germany is committed to resolving outstanding issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan peacefully and without the use of force. For this, it is important to complete peace negotiations between the two countries as soon as possible,” the foreign minister said.

Baerbock said that “it takes real commitment and determination to move forward. Mutual understanding between the Caucasian states will have a positive effect beyond the borders of both countries and will open the way to a better future and prosperity in the South Caucasus.”

The German minister that the “productive discussions” that began two weeks ago at the Munich Security Conference should continue.

In addition, she announced that foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia will continue negotiations in Berlin on February 29.

"Direct dialogue like today's and tomorrow's is the best way to achieve further progress," Berbock added.