Diplomacy of trust: what the “Bridge of Peace” talks in Gabala revealed Azerbaijani and Armenian experts on Caliber.Az

Recently, the Azerbaijani–Armenian civil initiative “Bridge of Peace” held another meeting in the Azerbaijani city of Gabala.

Over the course of two days, the Azerbaijani and Armenian delegations discussed key issues related to fostering connections between the societies of the two countries, including the most sensitive and complex aspects of this process. According to a number of Azerbaijani and Armenian media outlets, this “round table” differed from previous ones both in the noticeable increase in the number of participants and in the broader range of topics discussed.

Another important point is that the meeting of the “Bridge of Peace” representatives took place virtually on the eve of Armenia’s parliamentary elections, which analysts describe as crucial for peace in the South Caucasus. Participants of the “Bridge of Peace” initiative from Azerbaijan and Armenia shared their views on the outcomes of this civil initiative with Caliber.Az.

According to Robert Gevondyan, a political science candidate and expert at the Armenian Council, the main distinctive feature of this civil initiative is that it brings together people who not only advocate for peace and the normalization of relations, but have also taken on the responsibility of being pioneers in the practical implementation of a number of ideas that are perceived as sensitive by many in both societies.

“Numerous discussions took place on new areas of cooperation, although practical decisions on some of them were postponed. This can be explained by a certain degree of uncertainty related to the elections in Armenia. In this regard, we have to align the work of our groups with domestic political processes in both countries. The upcoming elections in Armenia also leave their mark on the activities of the ‘Bridge of Peace’—it is important to understand the current situation,” he noted.

However, overall, the expert believes that the progress of the civil initiative is highly impressive: “A key positive point is that the sides already have an understanding of each other’s overlapping interests, the potential for mutually beneficial projects, as well as emotional and ethical boundaries, and so on. This creates a favourable environment for productive joint work and for shaping an agenda aimed at developing new areas of cooperation. In this regard, these areas will likely continue to expand, encompassing more and more spheres, including political, economic, cultural, and other aspects of cooperation.”

In turn, Kamala Mammadova, editor-in-chief of 1news.az and a participant of the Azerbaijani delegation of the “Bridge of Peace,” noted that this time the “round table” was divided into four sessions, during which a wide range of issues was discussed.

“Within the framework of our ‘round table,’ a very important meeting took place with Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration. It was a very open conversation and a frank exchange of views. Hikmet Hajiyev also answered questions that concern and worry Armenian society—this is an important moment in the communication between our groups; I would call it a pivotal one,” Mammadova said.

In her opinion, the momentum of the “Bridge of Peace” initiative is increasing, as evidenced by indirect factors such as the growing number of participants and the expanding range of their areas of expertise.

“With each meeting, we find more and more common ground, so to speak, and better understand each other—especially when discussing regional issues. In conditions of political turbulence, when global military conflicts are unfolding, the importance of dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan becomes particularly relevant. That is why this time we spoke a great deal about the prospects of concluding a comprehensive peace between the two countries. Looking at all the alarming developments literally on the borders of our region, one realises just how important and timely peace between Baku and Yerevan is.

The meeting in Gabala is the last one ahead of the elections in Armenia. Much depends on how the citizens of the neighbouring country vote—whether they support the peace agenda of Nikol Pashinyan’s cabinet. This will also affect the dynamics of our project. Overall, representatives of the civil initiative expressed their intention to continue joint efforts to strengthen trust within their societies, expand the circle of those involved in this process, and actively work in this direction,” concluded Mammadova.