OSCE welcomes closure of Minsk Process following Azerbaijan-Armenia deal

The OSCE has welcomed the adoption of a Ministerial Council decision to close the Minsk process and its related structures, following a Joint Appeal from Azerbaijan and Armenia.

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen extended her warmest congratulations to Azerbaijan and Armenia on historic agreements towards peace and normalisation of relations, praising their resolute decision to begin prompt implementation, Caliber.Az reports per OSCE.

"I have responded without delay to their Joint Appeal and would like to express my sincere appreciation to the parties for their excellent co-operation in the process. I also would like to commend participating States for their collaborative spirit in achieving this consensus,” she said.

Meanwhile, OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu hailed the development as a historic milestone.

“This is a historic development that underlines what diplomacy can achieve, even after decades of conflict and mistrust. It demonstrates that agreement remains possible when there is a shared determination between parties to find common ground.” 

The OSCE leadership reaffirmed their commitment to supporting efforts that bring lasting peace and stability to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the wider region.

The decision follows a Joint Declaration signed on August 8 in Washington, D.C. by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, witnessed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump. The Council’s decision was adopted by consensus among all 57 OSCE participating States.

Following the decision, the OSCE will implement the closure of the Minsk Process and its related structures. Administrative functions, such as the handover of assets and equipment, will continue until the process is completed no later than December 1, 2025.

By Aghakazim Guliyev