Armenian-Azerbaijani Relations: Progress and Tensions in Berlin Discussions
On February 28, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Annalena Baerbock, his German counterpart. Discussions centered on the current cooperation agenda between Azerbaijan and Germany and the ongoing normalization and peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Bayramov reiterated Azerbaijan's commitment to advancing the normalization and peace agenda. "Additionally, concerns were raised about Armenia's continued territorial claims and non-constructive rhetoric against Azerbaijan," the report added.
Similarly, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also met privately with Baerbock on the same day. Discussions focused on regional security issues and the ongoing normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The bilateral meeting between Jeyhun Bayramov and Ararat Mirzoyan, the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia, began in Berlin on February 28. These discussions were initiated following an agreement reached during a meeting between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Munich on February 17, mediated by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The meeting in Berlin, termed the "Berlin format," is considered the next round of negotiations on the "Bilateral Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations" project.
On February 28, the foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Germany convened in Berlin to discuss the Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement. The Armenian Foreign Ministry's press service confirmed the meeting, highlighting discussions concerning the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Caucasus countries expressed appreciation to the German government for hosting the meeting and facilitating negotiations.
German Foreign Minister underscored the significance of peace efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan. She emphasized the importance of the bold yet challenging path toward a peace treaty, expressing support for peace talks and healing wounds to pave the way for lasting peace.
On February 29, negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan continued in Berlin in an extended format. However, official sources from Baku did not provide details of the discussions regarding the meeting's outcomes.