Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia discuss South Caucasus peace and cooperation

During the panel titled “Challenges and Opportunities for Regional Cooperation in the South Caucasus” at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025 (ADF), foreign ministers from Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia expressed commitment to advancing regional peace, economic cooperation, and connectivity in the post-conflict South Caucasus.

Hosted at the NEST Congress Center in Belek and moderated by TRT World’s Auskar Surbakti, the session featured Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, and Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili.

Bayramov: We’ve revived a non-functioning process

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stated that a historic normalization process was underway following the Second Karabakh War, with a mutual agreement recently reached on the draft text of a peace treaty.

“We’ve revived a non-functioning process. Necessary amendments will be made to the Armenian Constitution. This will address territorial claims. We do not expect any further obstacles to the signing of the agreement,” Bayramov said.

He pointed out that the Armenian Constitution references the Declaration of Independence, which includes territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

“There are no such claims against Armenia in the Azerbaijani Constitution. That narrative is inaccurate.”

Bayramov added that Azerbaijan aims to base its relations with neighbors on security and prosperity.

“Türkiye’s efforts in the region are very positive. We can truly reshape the region. Energy demand for resources from the Caspian is increasing. Ten countries, including Türkiye, Georgia, and EU states, import Azerbaijani gas. Armenia, however, has excluded itself from these projects through its policies.”

Bayramov: Uninterrupted access to Nakhchivan must be secured

Emphasizing the importance of restoring transportation links, Bayramov highlighted the lack of a land connection between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan due to Armenian territory.

“There were roads during the Soviet era. Negotiations on this stalled in January 2023. Due to legislative and political changes in Armenia, the process regressed. Ensuring uninterrupted access to Nakhchivan is essential. All guarantees must be secured. This issue is irreversible.”

Mirzoyan: Signing agreement solution

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stressed the importance of finalizing the peace agreement with Azerbaijan.

“For us, the solution is very clear. What is it? To sign the agreement, to end this conflict, and to do so on an institutional level. This can be done at any time,” he stated.

Mirzoyan noted that there is currently no armed conflict on the ground and insisted the parties should focus on future cooperation rather than past grievances.

“We don’t want to discuss constitutional amendments. It’s time to move forward. We want to develop future-oriented policies that will benefit our citizens,” he added.

He also emphasized the potential for regional projects and said, “I’m not just speaking about Armenia and Azerbaijan. Georgia and Türkiye can also play connecting roles between communities and peoples.”

Botchorishvili: Peace in South Caucasus our priority

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili reaffirmed Georgia’s strong relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan and expressed full support for regional peace.

“A peaceful South Caucasus is our shared priority. We sincerely welcome the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” she stated.

She emphasized Georgia’s readiness to facilitate dialogue at all levels and said, “Georgia is always ready to initiate and facilitate dialogue. We see political will on both sides to engage in regional discussions. There are many areas for cooperation.”

Addressing a question on Georgia’s non-participation in the 3+3 regional platform, Botchorishvili stated, “Georgia is not part of the format. We cooperate with all our neighbors except Russia, which still maintains a military presence in occupied regions of Georgia.”

She reiterated Georgia’s aspiration to join the European Union.