Positive developments from the South Caucasus region regarding Azerbaijan and Armenia. Azerbaijan had offered Armenia a peace treaty based on the mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity, which was the basis of the EU-facilitated peace negotiations over the past year.

Although Armenia had thus far not signed a peace agreement with Azerbaijan, in his latest speech,  Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed that “Armenia fully recognizes the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, and we expect Azerbaijan to do the same..” It is important that these words are translated into a physical peace agreement, which would pave the way for lasting peace in the region; especially important after the latest escalation at the border last week, where there were casualties on both sides.

This is a great opportunity for the FAAE members and the Canadian government to amplify the positive developments between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Canada also has a unique opportunity to be actively involved in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, which is being facilitated by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.