Tbilisi hails Azerbaijan-Armenia consensus on peace treaty draft

Georgia has expressed its support for the conclusion of negotiations on the text of the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, marking a significant step toward lasting stability in the South Caucasus.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze voiced this stance during his visit to Yerevan, where he met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

According to domestic media, the two leaders discussed regional challenges, emphasizing the critical role of peace and stability in ensuring the prosperity of the region, Caliber.Az reports.

During the meeting, Kobakhidze underscored the significance of Armenia and Azerbaijan finalizing the text of the peace agreement, describing it as a "historic step" toward achieving long-term stability in the region.

In addition to peace-related matters, the discussions between the two sides focused on key issues within the framework of their bilateral strategic partnership. They explored avenues for strengthening cooperation in trade, economic development, transport, and cultural exchange, reflecting the broader implications of peace for regional progress.

The meeting took place as the long-standing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan appears to be approaching resolution, garnering widespread international recognition and praise. The recent announcement that both nations have completed negotiations on a draft peace agreement is being hailed as a historic breakthrough, with many hoping it will usher in a new era of stability in the South Caucasus.

On March 13, the Armenian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Yerevan had accepted Azerbaijan’s proposals on the two previously unresolved articles, effectively concluding negotiations on the agreement. "The Peace Agreement is ready for signing. The Republic of Armenia is ready to begin consultations with the Republic of Azerbaijan on the dates and place of signing the agreement," the ministry stated, highlighting that diplomatic channels had been used to formally communicate this acceptance to Baku.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also confirmed that both sides had reached an agreement on the terms of the draft peace treaty. He reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to continuing dialogue with Armenia as part of the broader normalization process between the two nations.

Alongside the peace agreement, Azerbaijan has stressed the necessity of formally dissolving the Minsk Group and its associated structures within the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). 

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also addressed the future of the OSCE Minsk Group, stating that once a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan is signed, the need for the mediation format provided by the group will no longer exist. 

By Tamilla Hasanova