Armenia - Azerbaijan – Statement by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs spokesperson (18 Mar. 2022)

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The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs spoke successively to his Azerbaijani and Armenian counterparts.

He highlighted the importance attached to stability and peace in the South Caucasus and our desire for close consultation with the countries of the region. He signalled his concern about a recent resurgence of incidents on the ground and emphasized the need to implement every means available to reduce tensions. He highlighted the importance of contacts between the parties concerned to enable the recently damaged gas pipeline, which supplies the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, to be reconnected.

The Minister and his interlocutors took stock of the implementation of the guidelines set at the virtual summit of 4 February between President Macron, the President of the European Council, President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan.

He also expressed France’s willingness in its various capacities, including as Co-Chair of the Minsk Group, to support the process of negotiating a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

He welcomed his Armenian counterpart’s recent visit to Turkey on the invitation of the Turkish authorities and encouraged further discussions with a view to normalizing relations between the two countries.

The situation in Ukraine was also discussed during the two conversations. Among other things, the Minister welcomed the humanitarian aid provided to Ukraine by Azerbaijan, and discussed with his Azerbaijani counterpart the energy supply challenges for countries in the EU’s neighbourhood.