An event titled “Turning Point in the South Caucasus: Historic Peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia” was held at the prestigious German Parliamentary Society operating under the Bundestag in Berlin, Azerbaijan’s embassy in Germany told APA.
The event was organized by Germany’s ICI Institute and Ludwig Maximilian University.
At the event, held in this format for the first time in Germany and attended by representatives of the German government, Bundestag members, experts, journalists, and well-known figures from Germany’s political, economic and academic life, speeches were delivered by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Chairman of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee Armin Laschet, as well as Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Germany Nasimi Aghayev and Armenia’s Ambassador to Germany Viktor Yengibaryan.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul noted that, as the former chairman of the Bundestag’s Germany–South Caucasus parliamentary group, he is closely familiar with the former Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and that at the time he regularly discussed this topic with the ambassadors of both countries. The minister emphasized that the results achieved last year in the peace process are a major accomplishment for both countries and an important event in European history. Johann Wadephul stated that these achievements provide grounds to look to the future with hope, adding that Germany is ready to continue contributing to this process. The minister said that this peace also creates broad opportunities for both countries to build stable and reliable relations with the European Union.
In his speech, Chairman of the German Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs Armin Laschet highly appreciated that such an event was being held in Berlin for the first time with the participation of the ambassadors of both countries. He noted that this process is important not only for Azerbaijan and Armenia, but also for Germany, as new transport and railway links to Central Asia will be opened, which is also significant for Europe. Laschet also recalled that he had taken part in German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s first official visit to Azerbaijan and Armenia last year, and he particularly highlighted Azerbaijan’s rich traditions of tolerance and the peaceful co-existence of representatives of all religions.
Ambassador Nasimi Aghayev stated in his speech that after the 2020 Patriotic War, under the far-sighted and strategic leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has begun taking practical steps toward achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. It was Azerbaijan that became the initiator of the peace agenda, put forward the main principles of the peace agreement, and presented its first draft. Although the negotiations were conducted in a bilateral format, Germany played a constructive role, especially at a decisive stage. At the historic peace summit held in Washington in August last year, the sides opened a new chapter in relations by signing a joint declaration and initialing the peace agreement.
Nasimi Aghayev emphasized that for sustainable and legally solid peace, it is essential to fully align Armenia’s Constitution with the principles of the peace agreement and to eliminate all territorial claims against Azerbaijan as soon as possible.
The Ambassador highlighted the specific steps Azerbaijan has taken in recent months to strengthen peace, and also noted that dialogue between parliaments and civil societies has been intensified.
Touching upon the importance of the TRIPP route, Nasimi Aghayev stated that this route, which envisages the restoration of unhindered connectivity between the main part of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, will further consolidate peace through shared economic interests. The TRIPP route is also important in terms of diversifying trade and connectivity in the wider region, which will improve supply chains for Europe and Germany. Nasimi Aghayev emphasized the importance of the full and timely implementation of commitments for the establishment of this route.
After the speeches, the ambassadors answered numerous questions from the event participants. The event was highly appreciated by the participants.
