EU vows increased support for Azerbaijan-Armenia peace talks

The European Union has reaffirmed its readiness to strengthen support for the normalisation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, with a focus on advancing peace, fostering regional cooperation, and addressing humanitarian challenges.

Magdalena Grono, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, shared this commitment on the social media platform X. She emphasised the EU's dedication to working closely with the leaderships and civil societies of both countries to ensure meaningful progress, Caliber.Az reports.

EUSR Grono paid her first official visits to 🇦🇿 and 🇦🇲 from 7 to 11 January 2025.

Conveyed the EU’s continued strong commitment to this strategic region and partnerships with both 🇦🇲 and 🇦🇿.

— EUSR for South Caucasus and crisis in Georgia (@EUSR_SCCiG) January 12, 2025

"Valued in-depth exchanges of views with the leaderships and officials in both capitals on how best to advance peace, normalization efforts, regional cooperation, EU-Azerbaijan and EU-Armenia bilateral relations. Equally appreciated exchanges with local civil societies," Grono stated.

She highlighted key areas where the EU is prepared to step up its support, including:

• Supporting ongoing bilateral talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan,

• Addressing specific connectivity and humanitarian challenges,

• Promoting initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cooperation.

Grono underscored the importance of advancing towards a lasting peace, resolving outstanding issues, and preparing populations for a peaceful future. She also stressed the need to reduce threat perceptions and foster reconciliation through public dialogue and constructive rhetoric.

To recap, Grono recently concluded key diplomatic visits to Azerbaijan and Armenia.

During her visit to Baku on January 8, Grono held high-level meetings, including discussions with President Ilham Aliyev and Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov. The meetings in Baku focused on deepening Azerbaijan-EU cooperation in strategic areas such as energy, trade, and transportation. 

Deputy Minister Mammadov updated Grono on the peace negotiations with Armenia, including challenges such as landmine contamination and the plight of missing Azerbaijanis. Concerns over the EU Mission in Armenia and financial assistance supporting Armenia’s rearmament were also raised, with Baku cautioning against actions that could hinder peace efforts.

On January 10, Grono continued her diplomatic tour with a visit to Yerevan, where she met Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Ruben Rubinyan. The discussions focused on strengthening Armenia-EU relations, security issues, and the normalisation process with Azerbaijan.

By Vugar Khalilov