Armenia and Azerbaijan Leaders commit to peace talks in Munich

Azerbaijan and Armenia’s presidents meet in Munich for a diplomatic engagement, discussing border delimitation, normalization of ties

The presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia met in person on Saturday in Munich as part of an important diplomatic engagement. After a trilateral meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the discussions included Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Chancellor Scholz hailed the two countries’ commitment to peacefully settle their disputes, emphasizing the value of discussion over force.

With Pashinyan having earlier warned of a potential “full-scale war” and both nations claiming deaths from border clashes, this development implies a probable change from the heightened rhetoric earlier in the week. These talks take place against the background of the continuing conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, an area of great dispute over which Azerbaijani troops successfully retook control last year.

Key topics discussed at the Munich discussions were border delimitation, normalization of ties, and the writing of a peace treaty. The corresponding foreign affairs ministries scheduled more meetings. The most recent discussions have rekindled expectations for a peaceful outcome despite past disappointments in internationally mediated negotiations.

Talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who met individually with both presidents to assist the peace effort, were also part of the meetings in Munich. The fact that Blinken is involved emphasizes how important it is for the world community to stabilize the area and stop further fighting.

Source: AFP