Pashinyan reflects on regional history, stresses importance of lasting peace with Azerbaijan

At the "Silk Road" conference held in Georgia, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan offered a candid reflection on the evolving peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, underscoring the historic significance of recent developments.

Pashinyan remarked that just a year ago, it would have been inconceivable for the Prime Minister of Armenia to express gratitude toward the President and Prime Minister of Azerbaijan. He described the current peace as a pivotal moment that should be institutionalized to ensure its sustainability, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

Highlighting the role of regional cooperation, Pashinyan noted that transport connectivity not only yields mutual economic benefits but also fosters strategic interdependence.

"When countries begin cooperating, it triggers a ripple effect of economic growth and enhances the welfare of their populations," he stated. "At a certain point, nations come to realize they share a vested interest in one another’s stability, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and ability to make independent decisions — all of which are crucial for reaching and implementing durable agreements."

Pashinyan further framed the current peace as an opportunity to revisit and learn from the region’s shared past. He drew historical parallels between the independence movements of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan in 1918 and again in 1991.

“Our histories are deeply intertwined,” he said. “In 1918, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan all declared independence within days of each other — and lost it within the same period. In 1991, we regained independence almost simultaneously. But I believe we failed to fully absorb the lessons of 1918–1920, and we did not understand the underlying reasons why we gained and lost independence together.”

Pashinyan suggested that one of the key missteps was the inability to value the independence and sovereignty of neighboring nations. “Back then — or perhaps our ancestors believed — we could benefit more by fighting each other. Yet history has proven that by doing so, we risk losing what is most vital: our statehood and independence,” he concluded.

By Vafa Guliyeva