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Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of the thematic groups for Armenian-Azerbaijani Dialogue, say Washington meeting was a historic moment

9 August 2025

Statement

Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons

of the thematic groups for Armenian-Azerbaijani Dialogue

Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace

Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of the thematic groups for Armenian-Azerbaijani Dialogue, in a statement, welcome the meeting in Washington DC between Armenian prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, and Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev, with the facilitation of US President Donald Trump, and the initialling of a peace agreement, and the signing of a joint declaration, by the two countries.

The statement was signed by the Co-Chair of the Thematic Group on Peace and Security, Murad Muradov (Azerbaijan)and Leonid Nersisyan (Armenia); Chair of the Group on Gender and Equality, Lala Jumayeva (Azerbaijan), Deputy Chair of the Group on Gender and Equality, Andranik Shirinyan (Armenia), Chair of the Group on Governance, Sargis Harutyunyan (Armenia); Deputy Chair of the Group on Governance, Ramazan  Samadov (Azerbaijan); Chair of the Group on Connectivity, Narek Minasyan (Armenia); Deputy Chair of the Group on Connectivity, Nigar Gurbanli (Azerbaijan); and Chair of the Group on Environment: Fidan Namazova (Azerbaijan).

The Statement was also signed by LINKS Europe South Caucasus Co-ordinator, George Simonishvili.

The statement added:

Armenia and Azerbaijan have been at war for decades, and so this was a historic moment for Armenia and Azerbaijan, and for the South Caucasus region.

Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of the thematic groups for Armenian-Azerbaijani Dialogue thank the president, government and people of the United States for hosting and facilitating the meeting, and all the others who over the last three years have contributed towards the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan in their difficult journey towards peace, not only by working with the two governments, but also by supporting people to people contacts. This work must now continue, and be intensified.

We are encouraged by the commitment expressed by both sides in Washington, and reaffirm our dedication to contributing to this process. We also remain mindful of the many challenges that lie ahead. As we move forward, we will continue to listen to diverse perspectives, promote mutual understanding, and support initiatives that prepare Armenians and Azerbaijanis for a peaceful and cooperative future.

We were inspired by the mood of the meeting in Washington DC, and by what was discussed and agreed by the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan. This stimulates us to take our work forward. We are conscious that in many ways now, there are both opportunities and challenges ahead. Armenians and Azerbaijanis must be ready for the future.

The thematic groups for Armenian-Azerbaijani Dialogue are an initiative of LINKS Europe, supported by the European Union’s EU4Peace III programme. In the framework of this initiative over one hundred Armenian and Azerbaijanis have since January 2025, engaged is an intensive dialogue focusing on five themes: Peace and Security; Gender and Equality; Governance; Connectivity and Environment. The Groups are working on five reports, which they hope to finish in ten weeks’ time, that will outline a vision for Armenian-Azerbaijani peace, co-existence and co-operation up to 2040. Meetings have been held in person and on line, and will continue until the end of October 2025. The reports are expected to be published in November.

We, Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of the thematic groups for Armenian-Azerbaijani Dialogue stand ready to support the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan as they pursue the path to peace, and will also continue our work to contribute to dialogue, peace and reconciliation in the South Caucasus.

Signed:            

Co-Chair of the Thematic Group on Peace and Security

Murad Muradov (Azerbaijan)

Leonid Nersisyan (Armenia)

Chair of the Group on Gender and Equality

Lala Jumayeva (Azerbaijan)

Deputy Chair of the Group on Gender and Equality

Andranik Shirinyan (Armenia)

Chair of the Group on Governance

Sargis Harutyunyan (Armenia)

Deputy Chair of the Group on Governance

Ramazan  Samadov (Azerbaijan)

Chair of the Group on Connectivity

Narek Minasyan (Armenia)

Deputy Chair of the Group on Connectivity

Nigar Gurbanli (Azerbaijan)

Chair of the Group on Environment

Fidan Namazova (Azerbaijan)

 LINKS Europe South Caucasus Co-ordinator

George Simonishvili

Baku and Yerevan

source: commonspace.eu with LINKS Europe

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