The second Armenia-EU high-level dialogue on political and security issues was held in Brussels on Wednesday, the Armenian Foreign Ministry reported.
Building upon the first dialogue meeting in Yerevan in January this year, the meeting confirmed the mutual interest of Armenia and the EU in further enhancing political dialogue and cooperation in the areas of security, defence and foreign policy.
The EU reaffirmed its unconditional support for Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity (29,800 km2) and inviolability of its borders and welcomed Armenia’s readiness for closer co-operation with the EU.
During the meeting, the representatives of the sides touched upon the current challenges to the European security architecture. In this connection, the unacceptability of the use or threat of use of force was emphasised.
The sides emphasised the absolute necessity of establishing lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus. In this regard, the EU advocated the settlement of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the basis of the principles of mutual recognition of territorial integrity and inviolability of borders on the basis of the 1991 Almaty Declaration, delimitation of borders on the basis of the relevant maps of the USSR General Staff provided to the sides, and unblocking of regional communications on the basis of respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of either country, on the basis of reciprocity and equality.
Armenia confirmed its readiness to participate in the leaders’ meeting in Brussels with the assistance of the President of the European Council Charles Michel. The EU assessed the concept of Armenia’s Peace Crossroads project as an expression of the Armenian Government’s commitment to peace and co-operation in the region and beyond.
Armenia appreciated the rapid deployment of the EU civilian CSDP mission (EU Mission to Armenia – EUMA) along the internationally recognised border between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the support provided to it by the EU Member States. The Armenian side also welcomed the EU readiness to involve third countries in the work of the mission. The sides discussed the possibility of extending the Mission, as well as the non-lethal support to Armenia through the European Peace Foundation. Within the framework of the meeting, support for Armenia’s participation in regional projects, such as the Black Sea Submarine Electric and Internet cable was reaffirmed.
The sides reaffirmed their previously stated positions on the need to ensure the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians, including the right to return.
Both sides expressed hope that the agreements reached so far, in particular the opening of the land border between Armenia and Turkey for third-country nationals and holders of diplomatic passports, would be implemented as soon as possible.
The participants of the dialogue also discussed the state of relations with the countries of the region, wider geopolitical developments, as well as issues related to hybrid threats and other security challenges. The next Armenia-EU dialogue on politics and security will be held in Yerevan in 2024.
Azerbaijani political analysts note the EU’s growing attention to the Armenia-Georgia axis as part of its South Caucasus policy. They point to an increase in the number of EU missions, aid initiatives and statements by EU officials as signs of closer interaction between Brussels and Yerevan.
Analysts also hint at geopolitical dynamics, suggesting Russian involvement and interests in the region against the backdrop of Azerbaijan’s military demonstration in Khankendi (Stepanakert). There is speculation about possible exchanges or agreements between Russia and Azerbaijan, but specifics remain undisclosed.
