Azerbaijan and Armenia Are Closer Than Ever to Signing a Peace Agreement: Toivo Klaar

The Special Representative of the European Union in the South Caucasus, Toivo Klaar, discussed the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia in an interview with Azerbaijani media.

He noted that he regularly visits Armenia and Azerbaijan, exchanging views with leaders and other officials on how to best utilize opportunities to strengthen peace in the region, which signifies the EU’s high-level support for the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“Although international participation in peace negotiations has been more limited in recent months compared to the previous two years, we are pleased to note the progress made during the bilateral meetings between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” Klaar stated.

He highlighted that the European Union welcomed and appreciated positive developments such as the joint statement on December 7, 2023, regarding COP29 and the release of prisoners, as well as the agreement to commence border delimitation on April 19, 2024, which reaffirmed the importance of the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration as a basis for further work on border delimitation and demarcation.

The EU special representative expressed confidence that the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan would have a massive impact on both countries and the entire region, creating a completely new situation where trade and economic cooperation opportunities would automatically increase.

“This will also impact the EU's work in the region, as it will allow for broader regional cooperation involving all three countries of the South Caucasus,” Klaar stated, adding, “As has been said many times, the EU is ready to support peace in the region in all areas through various means, focusing particularly on regional connectivity and transport, depending on agreements between the parties.”