- OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu visited Armenia on April 20, 2025.
- He held separate meetings with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
- Discussions focused on Armenia-OSCE cooperation, regional security, and the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process.
- Both sides expressed hope for the soonest possible signing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
- Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” program and Armenia-Turkey normalization were also discussed.
OSCE Secretary General Engages Armenian Leadership on Peace and Regional Cooperation – 2025
Feridun Sinirlioglu, the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), visited Armenia on April 20, 2025, as part of a regional tour. During his visit, he held separate meetings with high-ranking Armenian officials, including Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues.
Foreign Minister Mirzoyan Discusses Armenia-OSCE Cooperation and Peace Process
Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu to address matters of cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the OSCE. According to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the interlocutors touched upon questions of interaction, including the implementation of specific programs within the framework of this cooperation. Regional issues were also part of the discussion agenda between the Armenian Foreign Minister and the OSCE Secretary General.
In the context of ongoing efforts aimed at establishing peace in the South Caucasus, the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process was specifically highlighted. Both parties emphasized the importance of having the text of the agreement on the establishment of peace and interstate relations between the two countries be coordinated. Minister Mirzoyan stressed the significance of signing this agreement. Furthermore, Ararat Mirzoyan conveyed Armenia’s approach regarding the OSCE Minsk Group and presented constructive proposals put forth by Armenia concerning other components of the peace process. Discussions also encompassed the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey.
Prime Minister Pashinyan Highlights Peace as Government Priority in Meeting with Sinirlioglu
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu, who was in Armenia as part of a regional visit. The Prime Minister welcomed the Secretary General’s visit, noting that it provided a good opportunity to discuss the agenda of bilateral cooperation between Armenia and the OSCE. Nikol Pashinyan underscored the importance of active dialogue with the OSCE and expressed hope for effective interaction.
Feridun Sinirlioglu stated that the South Caucasus region holds strategic importance for the OSCE and affirmed that the organization will continue to contribute to advancing the peace agenda. The OSCE Secretary General welcomed the efforts being invested in this direction with the goal of ensuring regional peace and stability. In this context, the interlocutors expressed hope for the soonest possible signing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Pashinyan conveyed Armenia’s positions in the process of signing the peace agreement, emphasizing that the peace agenda is a priority for the Government of the Republic of Armenia. Feridun Sinirlioglu, for his part, noted that there are significant opportunities to achieve peace in the region and that these opportunities should be realized. The Prime Minister and the Secretary General also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.
Regional Connectivity and the Crossroads of Peace Program
In the context of unblocking regional communications, the great potential of the South Caucasus as a unique crossroads was emphasized, along with the imperative of utilizing its transit possibilities. Minister Mirzoyan added that this understanding is at the core of the “Crossroads of Peace” program developed by the Government of the Republic of Armenia. This program envisions the establishment of functional transportation links throughout the region, contributing to economic development and improved connectivity.
OSCE’s Strategic View of the South Caucasus
The meetings underscored the OSCE’s perspective on the strategic significance of the South Caucasus region. Secretary General Sinirlioglu explicitly stated that the region is strategically important for the organization. This view aligns with the OSCE’s broader mandate to promote security and cooperation across its participating states, which include countries in the South Caucasus. The OSCE’s continued engagement in the region is aimed at supporting dialogue and contributing to a stable and peaceful environment.
Hope for Peace Agreement Signing
A recurring theme in both meetings was the shared hope for the prompt signing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This aspiration reflects the international community’s desire to see a formal end to the conflict and the establishment of normal interstate relations between the two neighboring countries. The discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts to reach a mutually acceptable agreement text and move towards its signing, viewed as a critical step for the future of the region.
Continued Dialogue and Cooperation
The visits and discussions between OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu and the Armenian leadership underscore the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between Armenia and the OSCE. The exchange covered a wide array of topics, from specific program implementation to high-level political processes like peace negotiations and regional connectivity initiatives. Both sides expressed commitment to an active dialogue and effective interaction, signaling a mutual interest in leveraging the OSCE’s platform to address current challenges and promote stability and prosperity in the South Caucasus.
Source: MFA press service, Government Information and Public Relations Department