The primary purpose of attending the meeting was to raise the issue of captives again: Ruben Babayan on the meeting with Azerbaijani representatives

A group of representatives from Armenia's culture and education sectors met with counterparts from Azerbaijan in Moscow on December 23-24, facilitated by Mikhail Shvidko, the Russian president's special representative for international cultural cooperation. The Armenian delegation emphasized the importance of the return of captives in establishing mutual trust.

Ruben Babayan, the director and artistic leader of the Yerevan Hovhannes Tumanyan State Puppet Theatre, who participated in the meeting, stated in an interview with Armenpress that he was joined by Armen Muradyan, the rector of Yerevan State Medical University; Marianna Mkhitaryan, the director of the Russian Drama Theatre named after K. Stanislavsky; and Harutyun Khachatryan, the president of the Union of Cinematographers of Armenia.

The Azerbaijani side included Farhad Badalbayli, rector of the Baku Music Academy; Kamal Abdullayev, rector of Baku State University of Languages; film director Ayaz Salahov; and Gulchohra Mamedova, rector of the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction.

Shvidko initiated such meetings in 2004, 2006, and 2008. This meeting was agenda-free, with Shvidko initially stating that no political issues would be discussed. Each participant represented themselves, and the conversation unfolded solely in the humanistic realm. We indicated that certain steps are necessary to build trust, and the first step should be the return of captives. There cannot be trust, nor can there be a peace process, if the most important humanitarian issue is not resolved. We voiced this concern. Everything must be done to not hinder this process, and I hope that certain steps will be taken,” Babayan explained, adding that Azerbaijani representatives also talked about their concerns, mainly related to mined areas.

Babayan once again stressed that the primary purpose of their participation in the meeting was to raise the issue of captives again. He believes that this issue should be addressed on all platforms. According to Ruben Babayan, the continuity of such meetings will depend on the outcomes.