President of European Council releases statement on results of trilateral meeting 

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, issued a statement on the results of the trilateral meeting with President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Report informs.

President Michel assured both leaders of the EU’s commitment to work closely with Armenia and Azerbaijan in overcoming conflict, creating cooperation and an atmosphere of trust, with a view to sustainable peace in the region ultimately underpinned by a comprehensive peace agreement.

Charles Michel said that key commitments undertaken in the framework of the two trilateral statements of 9 November 2020 and 11 January 2021 would be honoured and that understandings reached in Sochi on 26 November 2021 should be fulfilled.

The EU president expressed support for humanitarian de-mining efforts, including by providing expert advice and assistance to conflict-affected populations, rehabilitation and reconstruction. The EU will also continue to support confidence-building measures between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

It was noted that the leaders discussed the EU’s intention to launch an economic advisory platform to build confidence, contribute to peaceful coexistence and build up economic cooperation in the region. President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan agreed that in the context of the planned launch of negotiations on the delimitation and demarcation of the state border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, further tangible steps will need to be taken to reduce tensions on the ground to ensure a conducive atmosphere for the talks,” the statement said.

President Michel also emphasised the importance of restoring communications infrastructure between Armenia and Azerbaijan in particular and the South Caucasus more broadly, while fully respecting the sovereignty of all countries. It was agreed to proceed with the restoration of railway lines, with appropriate arrangements for border and customs controls, based on the principle of reciprocity. The EU is ready to support the development of connectivity links, in line with its Economic and Investment Plan. The proposed economic advisory platform can also support this process.