Georgian-Armenian platform chair: Azerbaijan emerges as key regional hub

The process of establishing peace with Azerbaijan holds significant importance for the people of Armenia, and there has been a positive shift in the Armenian community following the Washington meeting on August 8, according to Giorgi Tumasyan, chair of the Georgian-Armenian Public Platform.

Speaking to Report, Tumasyan said the recent agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan has strengthened hopes for an end to the conflict.

“Recent developments, including work on border delimitation, exchanges between civil society representatives, and progress in economic cooperation, reassure the Armenian public that the steps being taken towards peace are correct,” he said.

He highlighted the potential for improved relations between the citizens of both countries, particularly those living in border regions, citing security, cultural and trade links, and mutual respect as foundations for restoring ties.

Acknowledging the tragic history shared by both peoples, Tumasyan stressed the need for careful steps to rebuild pre-conflict relations. “It is a complex process, but it is essential to work in this direction. Both societies bear wounds from the conflict, so caution is required. The key is willingness on both sides,” he added.

Tumasyan suggested that Armenia and Azerbaijan could draw lessons from the coexistence of Armenian and Azerbaijani communities in Georgia. He emphasised that remote perceptions and social media commentary often reinforce stereotypes, whereas mutual visits allow people to witness shared culture and values firsthand.

He welcomed Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s decision to lift restrictions on cargo trains between Azerbaijan and Armenia, describing it as a positive step for peace and a means to strengthen sustainable bilateral relations. Tumasyan also noted its significance for Armenia’s ties with the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) and said it enhances Azerbaijan’s role as a logistics hub, offering Armenia new trade routes to Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

“The commercial and economic engagement between Azerbaijan and Armenia is possible and could reinforce peace,” Tumasyan said.

He urged both countries to view Azerbaijan’s peace-oriented initiatives positively and expressed hope that outstanding bilateral issues would be resolved. He underlined Azerbaijan’s growing influence in the South Caucasus over recent decades, citing its sovereign and pragmatic foreign policy, its role in the Middle Corridor, active ties with Central Asian states, and meaningful participation in the OTS.

Tumasyan argued that this development encourages neighbouring countries, including Georgia and Armenia, to strengthen their relations with Azerbaijan. “Historically, our states—Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan—faced common threats. Today, we can find points of convergence in the face of historical challenges. Both people must look to the future: past mistakes should remain in the past, mutual respect should be restored, and relations built on that foundation. We must follow the European path: centuries of conflict have given way to cooperation and alliances,” he said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev