Charles Michel: Baku-Yerevan peace efforts to create conditions for investment growth

The promotion of a peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the steps taken by both sides in this direction, are already having a positive impact on the entire region, former President of the European Council, Charles Michel, told journalists at the 13th Global Baku Forum in Baku.

He said that the leadership of Azerbaijan and Armenia plays an important role in advancing the peace agenda. Michel emphasised that he is well aware of the efforts made in this regard by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He noted that consolidating peace between Baku and Yerevan will improve the region’s transport and communication connectivity, as well as create conditions for economic projects and increased investment.

“This is especially important because, from a geographical perspective, the South Caucasus and Central Asia serve as a bridge between different parts of the world,” Charles Michel said.

According to him, achieving peace and all the resulting benefits will serve the people of both countries. He also positively assessed the start of the process through bilateral negotiations and direct contacts.

“It is very good that both countries were able to initiate the process through bilateral negotiations and direct contacts to identify ways to reach a sustainable agreement,” he said.

In conclusion, Michel expressed hope that a peace agreement will be implemented and that the settlement process between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be fully consolidated.

Notably, during his term as President of the European Council from 2021 to 2023, Charles Michel was an active participant in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia within the framework of the “Brussels Format.”