Azerbaijan, Armenia commit to continued dialogue following Abu Dhabi meeting Foreign Ministry statement

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia convened for a bilateral meeting in the United Arab Emirates on July 10, marking another significant step in efforts to normalise relations between the two countries.

According to a press release issued by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, the talks in Abu Dhabi focused on advancing the Azerbaijan-Armenia inter-state normalisation agenda, Caliber.Az reports.

“The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia met in Abu-Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on July 10, 2025, and discussed different aspects of Azerbaijan-Armenia inter-state normalization agenda,” the statement read.

During the meeting, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to direct dialogue as the most productive path toward resolving outstanding issues.

“It was confirmed that bilateral negotiations represent the most efficient format to address all issues concerning the normalization process, and on this basis, it was agreed to continue such result-oriented dialogue.”

Among the key topics discussed was the ongoing border delimitation process. The leaders acknowledged progress made so far and agreed on the need for continued technical engagement.

“The leaders, taking stock of the progress made with respect to the border delimitation process, instructed the respective state commissions to continue practical work in this regard.”

In a further sign of commitment to regional stability, both sides agreed to pursue additional measures aimed at fostering mutual trust.

“The sides also agreed to continue bilateral negotiations and confidence-building measures between the two countries.”

According to the ministry, the meeting ended with both leaders thanking the United Arab Emirates for hosting the talks. They acknowledged the efforts of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in providing a warm welcome and ensuring the smooth organisation of the bilateral discussions. The Abu Dhabi encounter marked another step forward in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve longstanding disputes through constructive dialogue.

The July 10, 2025,  meeting in Abu Dhabi between the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders, as Caliber.Az reports, took place amid renewed momentum in the peace process. Following Azerbaijan’s full restoration of sovereignty over Karabakh in 2023, Baku and Yerevan have made significant progress, including the finalisation of a draft peace treaty in March 2025.

The choice of Abu Dhabi, initiated by Azerbaijan, reflects a strategic shift toward bilateral diplomacy in a neutral setting, free from the influence of traditional mediators. Key issues on the agenda include border delimitation and the Zangezur Corridor, a vital transport link between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan.

Despite progress, outstanding issues remain — including Armenia’s failure to amend its constitution and ongoing references to the obsolete OSCE Minsk Group. Still, the constructive atmosphere in Abu Dhabi suggests the sides are moving closer to a final agreement.

By Vugar Khalilov