We Have Peace, and It Is a Reality - Nikol Pashinyan

The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, participated in the discussion titled “At the Crossroads of Leadership” during the 8th Peace Forum in Paris. In a question-and-answer format, the Prime Minister addressed the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the current situation in the region, and steps taken towards unblocking communication routes.

He stated that peace has already been established between Armenia and Azerbaijan, calling it a reality. In this regard, Pashinyan highly praised the personal efforts and contributions of former U.S. President Donald Trump. “We have peace, and it is a reality. This is a historical change not only in our bilateral relationship with Azerbaijan but also for our region as a whole. For the first time, I believe we have a real opportunity to enter a phase of economic cooperation in the South Caucasus and to have not only a peaceful but also a prosperous region. Particularly as we have agreed to open regional connections based on the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, legitimacy, and reciprocity, as per the declaration adopted in Washington. There is also another principle—the inviolability of internationally recognized borders,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

Furthermore, Pashinyan discussed the TRIPP project and stressed its implementation as vital for both Armenia and Azerbaijan. “Regional connectivity means that we will have the opportunity, both Armenia and Azerbaijan, to benefit from each other’s territories for internal, bilateral, and international connections, which means a new route for international transit will open through our area. Given that the world is currently experiencing a supply chain crisis, this could truly be a transformative circumstance for international trade but also for our region,” added Prime Minister Pashinyan, noting there will be open channels from the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to the Black Sea and new connections between the Caspian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, creating new opportunities for Armenia.

Regarding the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan noted that it is a politically significant event crucial for the peace process as well as for further prosperity and stability. “And I am confident that the people of the Republic of Armenia will support what we have achieved so far. I have no doubt that Armenian citizens will support the peace agenda and the peace process,” stated the Prime Minister.

Afterward, he addressed the process of normalizing relations with Turkey, expressing hope for positive developments in that direction soon. Pashinyan also spoke about the prospects for the development of Armenia-European Union cooperation.